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Solbiers of jfortune Series 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


A YOUNG AMERICAN IN THE 
JAPANESE NAVY 


BY 


EDWARD STRATEMEYER 

IV 

Author of “Under the Mikado’s Flag,” “On to Pekin,” “Two Young 
Lumbermen,” “ Old Glory Series,” “ Colonial Series,” 
“Pan-American Series,” etc. 


ILLUSTRATED BY A. B. SHUTE 



rj BOSTON 

Ben, . ' then? AND SHEPAED 

is already in th\ Co \'1 x ' ). 


Published April, 1905 





I the library of 
i CONGRESS. 

| Two Copies Reseived 

! APR 5 1905 

Copyright Entry 

z-<&, rqoy 

OUiSS XXc, Mo? 

/ t^ieCfC} 

COPY A. 


COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY IiOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD COMPANY 


AU rights reserved 


At the Fall of Port Arthur 



Norwood Press 
Berwick and Smith Co. 
Norwood, Mass. 

U. S. A. 





X 



PREFACE 


“ At the Fall of Port Arthur ” is a complete 
tale in itself, but forms the third volume in a line 
issued under the general title of “ Soldiers of For- 
tune Series.” 

The story relates primarily the adventures of 
Larry Russell and his old-time sea chum, Luke 
Striker, already well known to the readers of my 
“ Old Glory Series.” Larry and Luke are aboard of 
their old ship, the Columbia, bound from Manila to 
Nagasaki, with a cargo designed for the Japanese 
Government. This is during the war between 
Russia and Japan, and when close to the Japanese 
coast the schooner is sighted by a Russian warship 
and made a prize of war. 

As prisoners both Larry and Luke see something 
of life in the Russian navy. When close to Vladi- 
vostok, the Russian warship falls in with several ships 
of the Japanese fleet, and after a thrilling sea-fight 
surrenders with her prize. This brings Larry and 
Luke befor^ Admiral Togo, and as Larry’s brother 
Ben, with theur mutual friend, Gilbert Pennington, 
is already in the Japanese army, Larry enters the 


vi 


PREFACE 


Japanese navy and Luke follows suit. The siege 
and bombardment of Port Arthur are at their 
height ; and the particulars are given of many battles 
both on the sea and on land, leading up to the ulti- 
mate surrender of that brave Russian commander, 
General Stoessel, and the fall of the city. By this 
surrender the Japanese obtained many thousands of 
prisoners of war, hundreds of cannon, with large 
quantities of ammunition, and several scores of ves- 
sels, useful for either fighting purposes or as trans- 
ports. Moreover, this victory placed the entire 
southern portion of Manchuria under Japanese con- 
trol, giving the army untrammeled use of the 
railroad running from Port Arthur to Liao-Yang, 
a city on the road to Mukden, captured some 
time before, as already related in another volume 
of this series, entitled “ Under the Mikado’s 
Flag.” 

As I have mentioned in a previous work, it is as 
yet impossible to state what the outcome of this ter- 
rific conflict will be. So far victory has perched 
largely upon the standard of Japan. The Russian 
navy has been practically shattered and its army 
fought to a standstill. The cost of the war has been 
tremendous to both countries. Countless thousands 
of lives have already been sacrificecj. \fyould that 
peace were soon at hand ! 


PREFACE 


vii 


Again I thank my young friends for their appre- 
ciation of my former stories. May the present tale 
fulfill every reasonable expectation. 

Edward Stratemeyer. 
Lincoln's Birthday , 1905. 





CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 

I. 

Larry and His Friends 




PAGE 

I 

II. 

A Storm on the Pacific . 




IO 

HI. 

Larry Learns Something . 




20 

IV. 

The Russian Sailor's Plot 




2 9 

V. 

Signs of a Mutiny 




38 

VI. 

The Fight for the Ship . 




47 

VII. 

The Mutineers in Possession . 




56 

VIII. 

Turning the Tables . 




66 

IX. 

Close to a Waterspout 




76 

X. 

Something about War and Fighting Ships 


86 

XI. 

An Order to Lay-to 




95 

XII. 

Taken as a Prize of War 




103 

XIII. 

Prisoners on the Pocastra 




113 

XIV. 

Progress of the War 




122 

XV. 

A Sharp Naval Battle 




132 

XVI. 

Aboard a Japanese Warship 




140 

XVII. 

The Retaking of the Columbia 




148 

XVIII. 

A Clever Ruse .... 




156 

XIX. 

The Disappearance of the Enemy 




164 

XX. 

Larry before Admiral Togo , 




171 

XXL 

Letters of Interest . 




180 

XXII. 

A Meeting and a Plot 




189 

XXIII. 

The Attack in the Dark 




198 

XXIV. 

The Defense of the Powder Train 



206 

XXV. 

Bombarding a Port Arthur Fort 

, 


, 

215 


IX 


X 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 


page 

XXVI. 

Ben Meets Captain Barusky . 

223 

XXVII. 

A Fierce Battle at Sea 

. 232 

XXVIII. 

The Siege of Port Arthur 

240 

XXIX. 

From One Difficulty to Another 

248 

XXX. 

A Surprise for Larry 

258 

XXXI. 

A Call to Repel Boarders . 

. 266 

XXXII. 

Fall of Port Arthur— Conclusion 

. 274 


1 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

The Russian dropped his cutlass to the deck and 

staggered back . . . (Page 269) Frontispiece 

Page 

“ Put that man in irons/’ commanded Captain 

Ponsberry 42 

“ It is coming this way ! ” yelled Larry ... 84 

The Russian officer lost no time in coming 

on board 104 

In the midst of the confusion came a fearful 

explosion 136 

Admiral Togo surveyed the two Americans with 

interest 178 

The big boulder came rolling straight for Gilbert 211 

The wreckage hit Larry on the shoulder . . 236 



AT THE FALL OF PORT 
ARTHUR 


CHAPTER I 

LARRY AND HIS FRIENDS 

“ Unless I miss my guess, Luke, we are going 
to have a storm.” 

“ Jest what I was thinking, Larry. And when 
it comes I allow as how it will be putty heavy,” 
replied Luke Striker, casting an eye to the westward, 
where a small dark cloud was beginning to show 
above the horizon. 

“ Well, we can’t expect fine weather all the time,” 
went on Larry Russell, inspecting the cloud with 
equal interest. “We want some wind anyway,” 
he added. “We are not making this return trip 
to Nagasaki nearly as fast as we made the trip to 
Manila.” 

Luke Striker, a bronzed and weather-beaten 
Yankee sailor, rubbed his chin reflectively. “ I was 
jest thinking o’ the day I spied the old Columbia in 
Manila harbor,” he said, meditatively. “ Tell ye, 


2 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


Larry, the sight 'most struck me dumb. ‘ The 
Columbia,’ sez I to myself. An’ then I thought I 
must be a-dr earnin’. I wanted to find this ship ag’in 
in the worst way.” 

“ The ship certainly seems like a home to me. 
Luke — and I reckon she always will seem that way. 
I’ve traveled a good many miles in her, since I first 
struck her at Honolulu in the Hawaiian Islands,” 
responded Larry Russell. 

“ Yes — both of us have. But we never took no 
trip like this afore — carryin’ a cargo for the Japa- 
nese Government, with that government at war 
with Russia.” Luke Striker lowered his voice. 
“ What’s the outlook ? Does the old man reckon to 
fall in with a Russian warship afore we can reach 
Nagasaki? ” 

“ Hush, Luke ; you mustn’t mention our cargo,” 
came from Larry Russell, hastily. 

“ I ain’t mentionin’ it to anybody but you.” 

“ Captain Ponsberry is in hopes that we shall not 
meet any Russian warships.” 

“ But what if we do ? ” 

“ Then we shall have to show our heels as best we 
can.” 

“ A sailing vessel can’t show much o’ a pair o’ 
heels to a man-o’-war.” 

“ That is true.” 


LARRY AND HIS FRIENDS 


3 


“ I suppose, if the Columbia was overhauled by a 
Russian warship, they’d consider us a prize of war; 
wouldn’t they? ” continued the old Yankee sailor. 

“ They would, unless Captain Ponsberry could 
get out of it in some way.” 

“ How do you think he might get out of it ? ” 

“ Well, you must remember that our cargo 
doesn’t belong to the Japanese Government yet. 
We are carrying it from Manila to Nagasaki for 
the Richmond Importing Company. The Russians 
would have to prove their case against us before 
they could claim the schooner as a legitimate prize 
of war.” 

“ I see. Well, I reckon as how them Russians 
would do ’most anything to square accounts with 
the Japs. So far, accordin’ to my notions, they have 
been losin’ ground right along in this war.” 

“ Yes, and they’ll lose more before the Japs are 
through with ’em, Luke. But that storm is coming 
up fast,” went on Larry Russell, with another ex- 
amination of the black cloud. “ I’ll have to tell the 
captain. If we don’t shorten sail it may do us some 
damage.” 

With the last-mentioned remark Larry Russell 
walked aft, toward the companionway of the Colum- 
bia , a staunch three-masted schooner that hailed 
from Gloucester. He was second mate of the craft 


4 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


and as such it was now his duty to inform Captain 
Nat Ponsberry that a storm was approaching. 

To those of my young friends who have read 
“ Under Dewey at Manila ” and other volumes of 
the “ Old Glory Series ” Larry Russell needs no in- 
troduction. He was one of three brothers, who, left 
in the charge of a miserly step-uncle, had thought it 
best to go away from home and seek fortune in va- 
rious parts of the globe. Larry had drifted to San 
Francisco and then to Honolulu, where he had 
fallen in with Captain Nat Ponsberry and the Co- 
lumbia, as already mentioned. He, with his sailor 
friend, Luke Striker, had been cast away, and while 
adrift on the Pacific had been picked up by the 
Asiatic Squadron under Commodore (afterward 
Admiral) Dewey, to serve with honor during the 
memorable battle of Manila Bay. 

Since those days a great many things had oc- 
curred to the Russell boys. Ben, the oldest of the 
three, had served as a young volunteer in Cuba dur- 
ing the advance on Santiago, and as an officer with 
the army in the Philippines, and Walter, the third 
brother, had served in the navy in Cuban waters and 
elsewhere. In the meantime the miserly step-uncle 
had reformed, and now thought “ his three boys,” 
as he called them, “ the best young fellers in all 
America, barrin’ none ! ” 


LARRY AND HIS FRIENDS 


5 


Larry Russell was a natural sailor, and when his 
term in the navy came to an end he could not bear 
to think of giving up the sea. He heard that his old 
ship was bound for a trip to Japan and other ports, 
and at once communicated with Captain Ponsberry, 
with the result that he became second mate of the 
schooner, the first mate being, as of old, Tom Gran- 
don, a personal friend of Captain Ponsberry. 

At this time Walter Russell had gone into busi- 
ness, and was doing remarkably well. But Ben was 
doing nothing, and Larry persuaded his oldest 
brother to come aboard the ship at Manila, for the 
trip to Nagasaki and Port Arthur. This was just 
at the outbreak of the war between Russia and 
Japan, but the brothers at that time knew noth- 
ing about the tremendous conflict so close at 
hand. 

The Columbia was carrying a cargo for the Rich- 
mond Importing Company, represented in Japan 
and China by Gilbert Pennington, who had served 
with Ben Russell in our army in Cuba and the Philip- 
pines. From Manila Gilbert had gone to China, to 
fight the Boxers, as already described in “ On to 
Pekin,” the first volume of this “ Soldiers of Fortune 
Series.” With the end of the Boxer conflict, Lieu- 
tenant Pennington, as he had then become, turned 
from war to business, and soon made a number of 


6 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


business transactions which were highly gratifying 
to the company that he represented. 

When the Columbia arrived at Nagasaki, Captain 
Ponsberry learned that the war had begun and that 
to get to Port Arthur — a Russian stronghold in 
Manchuria — was out of the question. While he 
was awaiting orders Gilbert Pennington appeared 
on the scene. Gilbert had had great difficulties in get- 
ting away from Port Arthur, having been suspected 
by the Russian officials of being a spy. He wished 
to know at once if the ship’s cargo was safe. 

“ As safe as when we left home,” had been Cap- 
tain Ponsberry’s reply. 

“ Good ! ” answered the young agent, and then he 
wished to know if anything had been done about 
selling the goods. Captain Ponsberry replied that 
he had been ordered to do nothing until he received 
word from Gilbert. This suited the young repre- 
sentative ; and the upshot of the matter was that the 
cargo, instead of going to a Russian port, was sold 
to the Japanese Government at a price considerably 
above the ordinary market value. 

Gilbert Pennington was enthusiastic about joining 
the Japanese army for a campaign in Manchuria 
and he imparted a large share of this enthusiasm to 
Ben Russell. As a result both enlisted and became 
captains in a special command, under a Major 


LARRY AND HIS FRIENDS 


7 


Okopa, who could speak very good English. The 
part of the army to which they were assigned landed 
at Chinampo, in Korea, and in the second volume of 
this series, called “ Under the Mikado’s Flag,” I 
related the particulars of the crossing of the Yalu 
River and of the many skirmishes and battles leading 
up to the terrific ten-days’ contest before Liao Yang. 
During these fights Ben and Gilbert did their full 
duty as officers, and when the Russians retreated to 
the North both were well content to take a much- 
needed rest. But additional struggles were still in 
store for them, as will be learned in the pages which 
follow. 

At first Larry Russell had been inclined to follow 
his brother and his friend Gilbert into the Japanese 
army. But Captain Ponsberry did not wish to 
lose his services as a second mate, and when it was 
decided that the Columbia should make a quick run 
to Manila and back, for another cargo for the Jap- 
anese Government, he made up his mind to stick to 
the ship. 

The run to Manila from Nagasaki was made 
without special incident, and, once at the main sea- 
port of the Philippines, Captain Ponsberry lost no 
time in getting on board the cargo the Richmond 
Importing Company had ready for him. The 
cargo was a valuable one and it was calculated that 


8 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


if rightly sold it would yield the company a profit 
of five or six thousand dollars. 

“ You have got to take care and not run into any 
Russian warship,” said the agent of the company at 
Manila. “ If you do you may have a whole lot of 
trouble in explaining matters to the Russian com- 
mander’s satisfaction. I see by the reports that the 
Russians have already held up several English and 
South American ships.” 

“ I shall keep a sharp lookout for ’em,” was Cap- 
tain Ponsberry’s reply. 

“ And another thing, Captain,” went on the 
agent, in a lower tone ; “ you want to watch your 
crew.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ I don’t like the looks of two or three of them. 
For all you know they may be more than willing 
to expose you — if you fall in with the Russians. 
Can you trust your first and second mates ? ” 

“ I can ! They are as honest as myself.” 

“ Then caution them to keep an eye on the hands. 
One of those fellows looks like a Russian to me — 
the chap with the heavy black beard.” 

“ You mean Semmel. He says he is a Pole and 
that he hates the Russians.” 

“ Humph! Well, I saw him talking to a lot of 
Russians night before last. And when they passed 


LARRY AND HIS FRIENDS 9 

a Jap the whole crowd jeered at the little brown 
man.” 

“ Semmel, too ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Then I shall watch him,” answered Captain 
Ponsberry, decidedly. 

“ Do, but don’t let him know it. Some of these 
foreign sailors are ugly when they find out they are 
being suspected.” 

“ Trust me to manage him,” returned the com- 
mander of the Columbia; and there the talk on the 
subject came to an end. 


CHAPTER II 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 

Larry found Captain Ponsberry working over a 
chart on the cabin table, laying out the course of the 
ship. The commander of the Columbia was a bluff, 
hearty individual and he and the young second mate 
thought a great deal of each othpr. 

“ Well, what is it? ” asked the captain, looking up 
quickly. 

“ I came to report that a storm is coming up from 
the west,” answered Larry. 

“ Humph ! I was afraid we'd catch it sooner or 
later. Is it close up yet ? ” 

“ It's coming up pretty fast.” 

Captain Ponsberry said no more, but threw down 
his parallel rulers and his pencil. Catching up his 
cap, he mounted to the deck, and the young second 
mate followed at his heels. The captain gave a long 
look to the westward and then a gaze around the re- 
mainder of the horizon. 

“ Tell Cal Vincent to call all hands to shorten 
sail ! ” he called out to Larry. “ Tell 'em to tumble 

IO 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 


II 


up quick, too — thet storm ain’t none too far off for 
comfort ! ” 

Larry passed the word to Cal Vincent, who was 
the boatswain of the Columbia , and soon the whistle 
piped up shrilly, and those who were below or in the 
forecastle, came on deck in a hurry. Already the 
wind was freshening, ruffling up the whitecaps in 
all directions. The sky, that had been so blue a 
short while before, became leaden, and the depths of 
the ocean took on a somber hue. The barometer 
indicated a great and immediate change. 

“ Lay aloft there, men ! ” cried Captain Pons- 
berry. “ Our sails are mostly new and we don’t 
want them ripped up if we can help it. Skip along 
there, Peterson ! ” The latter words to a big sailor 
who was moving across the deck at a snail’s pace. 

The sailor addressed, scowled. It was not his 
watch on deck and he hated to have his midday nap 
disturbed. 

“ Got a nail in ma boot,” he said. 

“ Well, haul it out — after the sails are trimmed,” 
returned the captain, and then turned to another 
hand : “ Semmel, what’s the matter with you ? ” 
This to the suspicious-looking sailor with the heavy 
black beard. 

“ Nodding,” grumbled Semmel, and turned away 
sulkily. 


12 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Then get a move on, or we may lose a stick as 
well as a sail,” and there followed a perfect volley of 
orders in a tone that none of the sailors misunder- 
stood. Up to the yards they crawled like so many 
monkeys, and soon the creaking of halyard blocks 
was heard, as the topsails came down. The jib and 
flying jib were also taken in, and a little later the 
main-course and the mizzen-course. 

“ Reckon we can stand the fore-course for a little 
while longer,” said Captain Ponsberry to Tom 
Grandon. “ What do you think? ” 

“ We can, unless it comes quicker nor it is coming 
now,” returned the first mate. 

“ Well, keep an eye on the wind and reef her as 
soon as it begins to look nasty,” said Captain Pons- 
berry, and returned to the cabin, to finish his nautical 
calculations. 

The Columbia had left the last of the Philippines 
behind and was headed north through the China Sea 
toward the lower extremity of Formosa. She was 
not as new a ship as when Larry had first boarded 
her at Honolulu, for since that time she had seen half 
a dozen years of hard service. But Captain Pons- 
berry was a careful man and believed in making re- 
pairs as soon as they were needed, so there was small 
danger of her opening her seams or going to pieces 
even in the stiffest of blows. She leaked a little — 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 


13 


the best of ships do that — but a short pumping 
every morning kept the water at the bottom of the 
well. 

As second mate, it was Larry’s duty to see that, 
everything on the deck was “ ship-shape,” and this 
was especially necessary when a storm was coming 
up. He made a tour of the ship, his keen eyes tak- 
ing in every detail. 

As it happened, an hour before he had set the 
sailor Semmel to work stowing away some odds and 
ends of rope. He had supposed that this task was 
long since finished, but now he found the ropes scat- 
tered about as before. 

“ See here, Semmel,” he called out, “ why didn’t 
you stow away those ropes as I told you ? ” 

“ Stow dem avay in a leetle vile,” answered the 
sailor with the heavy beard. 

“ You’ll stow them away now,” returned Larry, 
sharply. He did not at all fancy the manner of the 
hand he was addressing. “ I told you to do it an 
hour ago. We don’t want anything loose on deck 
when this storm hits us.” 

“ Vincent kicked de ropes out dare,” growled 
Semmel. “ I had nodding to do mit ’em.” 

“ That isn’t here or there. I told you to stow 
them away, and I want you to do it. If you don’t, 
I’ll have to report you to the captain.” 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


H 


“ Oh, I do him ! ” grumbled Semmel, but he 
glared at Larry as if he wished to chew the young 
second mate up. “ You put all dare vork on me, 
hey? ” he added, after a pause. 

“ You’ve got to do your share of it.” 

“ Humph ! ” Semmel seemed on the point of 
saying more, but shut his teeth and began to arrange 
the ropes in proper order. Larry watched him for 
a moment and then walked away. As soon as his 
back was turned the sailor shook his fist at the young 
second mate. 

“You vait!” he muttered. “ Chust vait, you 
Jankee rat ! ” 

The sky kept growing darker, and soon came a 
puff of wind much heavier than any that had gone 
before. The Columbia had been moving over the 
waves on an even keel, but now she gave a sudden 
lurch to starboard. 

“ Reckon it’s time to take them reefs in the fore- 
course,” said Grandon to Larry, and soon the sailors 
were at work on the sheets, leaving just sufficient 
canvas up to make the schooner mind her helm. It 
was hard work, for the sudden gusts made the sail 
snap and crack like a whip. 

So far it had not rained a drop, but now came a 
sudden downpour, the drops “ as big as hen’s eggs,” 
to use Luke Striker’s manner of describing them. 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 15 

Thfcn came a flash of lightning out of the western 
sky, followed by a rumble of thunder. 

“ This is going to be an old-time storm,” was 
Larry’s comment, as he met Luke Striker near the 
forecastle. “ I’ll have to get my oilskin out.” 

Luke already had his raincoat on and soon the 
young mate was similarly provided. Wind and 
rain were increasing, and presently there came a 
flash of lightning and a clap of thunder that made 
everybody jump. The thunder brought Captain 
Ponsberry to the deck in a hurry. 

“ Did that hit us ? ” he questioned, looking 
around anxiously. 

“ No, sir, but it was pretty close,” replied Gran- 
don. 

“ Is everything secure ? ” went on the commander, 
to Larry. 

“ Yes, sir.” 

It was difficult to converse further, for the wind 
was now whistling through the rigging, driving the 
rain in sheets across the deck. All had to hold fast 
for fear of being swept overboard. On every side 
the sea was lashing itself into a foam and the waves 
were growing higher and higher. At one instant 
the Columbia would seem to be riding on top of a 
mountain, the next she would sink down and down 
into the trough of the sea. 


1 6 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ Well, Larry, how do you like this? ” questioned 
Captain Ponsberry, as he took a position beside the 
second mate. 

“ Oh, I don’t mind it at all,” was the cheery 
answer. “ I used to mind the storms, but I’ve got 
used to them.” 

“ This isn’t a plaything we are getting.” 

“ Oh, I know that — you can see it by the way the 
wind is driving us. But we are not near any land, 
are we ? ” 

“ No.” 

“ Then we’ll be sure to outride it. I feel I 
can bank on the old Columbia for almost any- 
thing.” 

At this Captain Ponsberry laid an affectionate 
hand on his second mate’s shoulder. 

“ Reckon you love the old craft about as well as I 
do,” he said. 

“ I don’t know about that — you’ve been on board 
so many more years than myself. But to me she is 
a second home.” 

“ I see. Well, let us hope we get through with 
this trip in safety.” 

“Don’t you imagine we’ll do it?” questioned 
Larry, quickly. 

“ Certainly. But you must remember that we 
may have trouble if we fall in with any Russian war- 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 1 7 

ship.” Captain Ponsberry lowered his voice. “ Did 
you have trouble with Semmel ? ” 

“ A little. I ordered him to coil up some ropes 
and he didn’t obey me right away. But he stowed 
them away afterwards.” 

Captain Ponsberry drew a long breath. “ The 
more I see of that chap the less I like him.” 

“ I never liked him from the start,” answered 
Larry, frankly. “ But you’ll have to give him credit 
for being a good all-round sailor.” 

“ There is no doubt but what he is that, Larry. 
But he has a bad eye.” 

“ What do you think he could do to harm 
us? ” 

“ Nothing — unless we fell in with a Russian war- 
ship. In that case, if he was a Russian sympathizer, 
he might expose the fact that while we are carrying 
a cargo for the Richmond Importing Company the 
goods are really meant for the Japanese Govern- 
ment.” 

“ Does he know that ? ” 

“ I’m not sure, one way or the other. What I am 
afraid of is, that he may know a good bit more nor 
we suspect.” 

“ I see.” The young second mate mused for a 
moment. “ I’ll tell you what I’d do, if I thought he 
was going to play me foul — and we fell in with a 


18 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

Russian warship. I’d clap him below decks, out of 
sight until the warship went on her way again.” 

“ That’s easily said ; but I can’t make him a pris- 
oner unless I can prove something against him.” 

“ You can lock him up if he is sulky and won’t 
obey orders.” 

“ Yes, that is true. Still Phew!” 

The captain broke off short, for a vivid streak of 
lightning flared all over the upper masts of the ship. 
The thunder-clap was as sharp as it was deafening, 
and for the moment all on board thought the Co- 
lumbia had surely been struck. Then came a down- 
pour which made even the boldest of the sailors seek 
shelter. 

“ That was closer than I like,” was Larry’s com- 
ment, after it was ascertained that the ship was un- 
harmed. 

“ ’Most knocked me overboard,” came from Luke 
Striker. “ Gosh ! reckon my hair’s singed,” and he 
put up his hand and ran his fingers through his 
grayish locks. “ Don’t want another like thet no- 
how!” 

A few minutes later came another flash of light- 
ning, but this was to the eastward, showing that the 
center of the storm had passed them. The wind was 
apparently going down, but the sea was as angry as 
ever and would be for hours to come. 


A STORM ON THE PACIFIC 


19 


Luke had retired to the forecastle with several 
other sailors. Larry’s watch on deck was also at an 
end, and he was just on the point of going below, 
when from the west came a curious humming sound 
which made the young second mate pause. The 
humming increased, and then of a sudden the 
Columbia was caught in a hurricane blast that threw 
her far over on her side. 

“ Help ! ” Larry heard, in the voice of Captain 
Ponsberry. “ Somebody help me, quick, or I’ll go 
overboard 1 ” 


CHAPTER III 


LARRY LEARNS SOMETHING 

The accident which had happened to Captain Nat 
Ponsberry was certainly a curious one, although 
similar to that which once cost the life of a young 
officer in our navy. 

When the hurricane blast reached the Columbia, 
the captain was in the act of slipping on a lined rain- 
coat, — a big affair, with long sleeves and an extra 
high collar. One arm was in the coat and the other 
was going down the sleeve when it caught in the lin- 
ing. At that instant the shock threw the captain 
across the deck and almost over the railing. He 
caught at the railing with his free hand, but his other 
hand remained a prisoner in the coat sleeve, while 
the garment itself stuck in a bunch across his 
shoulders. 

“ Help ! ” he roared again. He tried to pull him- 
self up, and to free the hand in the sleeve, but found 
both impossible. 

Larry did not wait for a second cry for assistance. 
He knew the captain so well that he felt the officer 


20 


LARRY LEARNS SOMETHING 


21 


would only call when in dire peril. He ran out on 
the slippery deck in double-quick order. 

“ Hullo, where are you? ” he yelled. 

“ Here ! Help!” 

The young second mate caught sight of the” cap- 
tain not a moment too soon. Another lurch of the 
Columbia had thrown him completely over the rail, 
and there he clung with one hand, while the spray 
was flying all over him. 

Not waiting to count the possible cost, Larry 
slid rather than ran to the rail. Years before he 
had learned a trick which now stood him in good 
stead. He wound his legs around the under rail, 
catching the upper one with his left hand. Then 
he clutched Captain Ponsberry by the tangled-up 
arm. 

“ On deck there ! ” he yelled. “ Throw a rope 
this way, and hurry up about it ! ” 

“ What's the trouble? ” came from Tom Grandon, 
who had been in another part of the ship and had 
not heard the captain’s cry. 

“ The captain is almost overboard. Throw us a 
rope.” 

Tom Grandon was quick to act. The rope came 
whizzing toward Larry, and in a twinkling he had it 
around his body and also around the captain. 

“ Haul in ! ” he called, and Grandon and two 


22 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


sailors did so. Over the rail came Captain Pons- 
berry, still fighting to release the tangled-up arm. 
In a moment more all danger was past. 

“ Well, how in the world did this happen? ” ques- 
tioned Grandon. 

“ Tell ye — soon as I can git free o’ this consarned 
coat ! ” spluttered Captain Ponsberry, and he gave 
the garment a jerk that ripped one of the sleeves 
completely in half. “ Did ye ever see sech foolish- 
ness ? ” he added. And then he told how the lurch 
of the ship had carried him over the rail just when he 
could use but one hand. “ After this I reckon I’ll 
put on my coat afore I go on deck,” he concluded. 

“ It was a lucky thing that Larry heard you cry 
out,” said the first mate. “ I was at the wheel, 
helping Groot.” 

“ That’s right, Tom.” The captain turned to Jhe 
youth. “ Larry, you’re a brave one, and always 
was. I ain’t going to forget this ! ” 

“ Oh, don’t say anything about it,” came from the 
young second mate, modestly. “ I know you’d do 
as much for me, if I needed it.” 

“ Well, I would, an’ there’s my hand on it,” cried 
Captain Ponsberry, heartily, and gave Larry a grip 
that made him wince. 

The storm kept up for the remainder of the day. 
But its worst fury was spent, and during the night 


LARRY LEARNS SOMETHING 


23 


the wind went down to nothing more than a stiff 
breeze, which was just what was wanted. All of 
the sails were again set; and the schooner resumed 
her course as before. 

Before leaving Manila Larry had purchased a 
number of newspapers printed in that city in Eng- 
lish. So far he had had no chance to look the 
sheets over, but now came two days in which there 
was little to do, and he spent several hours in de- 
vouring the news, while he also let his friend Luke 
do some reading. 

“ Tell ye what, this ’ere war between Russia and 
Japan is goin’ to be a big thing,” said Luke, after 
reading an account of the first fights on land and on 
sea. “ It ain’t goin’ to be no such short affair as our 
little rumpus in Cuby.” 

T You are right, Luke; this war is going to be a 
long and bitter one.” 

“ Who is goin’ to win, do you think? ” 

“ I’m sure I don’t know. Russia is a vast 
country, with millions of people and with an im- 
mense army and navy. I suppose she can put five 
times as many men in the field as Japan can.” 

“ But them Japs know how to fight.” 

“ Indeed they do — they have proved that already. 
And what is to their advantage, they are closer to 
Korea and Manchuria than Russia is. They can get 


24 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


on the fighting ground quicker, — which counts for 
a good deal/' 

“ How those Russians must have been astonished 
when the Japanese warships sailed into ’em at Port 
Arthur last February. I don’t believe they were ex- 
pecting an attack.” 

“ Hardly, for war had just been declared. But 
you wouldn’t have caught Uncle Sam napping like 
that, Luke.” 

“ Right ye are, lad ; it ain’t his style. An’ then to 
see how them Japs have been a-blowin’ up the Rus- 
sian warships ever since. They must have a fine 
navy.” 

“ Yes, and good gunners, too. I was told in 
Nagasaki that quite a few American gunners were 
on their ships — fellows who served under Dewey at 
Manila and under Sampson and Schley off Cuba.” 

“ I believe you, lad. When a feller gits it in his 
bones to fight on a warship there ain’t no life on a 
merchantman goin’ to satisfy him. Some jackies 
would rather fight nor eat — you know thet as well 
as I do.” 

“ Well, I shouldn’t mind doing some fighting 
myself. You know I was on a stand about going 
with Ben and Gilbert Pennington.” 

“ Where do you reckon they are now? ” 

“ In Manchuria, I suppose, fighting as hard as 


* 


LARRY LEARNS SOMETHING 25 

they can. I thought I would get a letter from them 
before we left Manila, but nothing came.” 

“ I suppose the mails are all upset, on account of 
the war,” put in Cal Vincent, who sat nearby, sewing 
a button on his shirt. “ If you’ll remember, Naga- 
saki was in a big state of excitement while we were 
there last.” 

“ Did they say anything about any Russian war- 
ships bein’ in these parts ? ” questioned Luke. 

“ No.” 

“ It would be strange if we did fall in with them.” 

“ Which puts me in mind,” came from the boat- 
swain, and then he gazed around to see if any other 
persons were near. “ Semmel says he ain’t no Rus- 
sian, but it’s dollars to doughnuts he is,” he con- 
tinued, in a lowered tone. 

“ Have you discovered anything new ? ” de- 
manded Larry. 

“ Yes and no. Last night I overheard him and 
Peterson talking in a suspicious kind of a way. I 
didn’t catch much, for they talked partly in English 
and partly in a foreign language. But I am sure 
they are favoring Russia, and Semmel said some- 
thing about doing something to harm Japan.” 

“ I don’t see how they could do anything on board 
of this ship’” came from Luke. 

“ You didn’t hear anything definite? ” 


26 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Can’t say that I did,” answered the boatswain. 

“ We had better watch them closer than ever.” 

“ All right; I’ll do my share,” responded Vincent, 
and Luke Striker said the same. 

That very afternoon Larry had another quarrel 
with the sailor with the long beard. Semmel had a 
bucket of dirty water which he was carrying to the 
ship’s side. As Larry passed he pretended to stub 
his toe and allowed some of the dirty water to flow 
over the young second mate’s foot. 

“ Semmel, what did you do that for ? ” cried 
Larry, indignantly. 

“ Canno help dat,” said the sailor. “ I slip.” 

“ You did it on purpose ! ” 

“ Oh, no ! ” And the sailor grinned wickedly. 

“ I say you did. If you try anything like that 
again, I’ll make it warm for you. Get a swab and 
clean the deck up at once ! ” 

As Semmel sauntered off, and while Larry was 
stamping the water from his shoe, Captain Pons- 
berry came up. He had seen the trick played from a 
distance. 

“ What did you tell Semmel ? ” he questioned, 
sharply. 

“ Told him to swab the deck up. I think he 
slopped the dirty water over me on purpose.” 

“ Just my idea of it. I’ll tell him what I think of 


LARRY LEARNS SOMETHING 


2 7 


it.” And striding after the bearded sailor Captain 
Ponsberry gave him a lecture not to be readily for- 
gotten. 

“ I won’t have any of your dirty underhanded 
work aboard of my ship,” he concluded. “ Either 
you’ll behave yourself, or I’ll put you in irons.” 

‘"In irons!” ejaculated Semmel, scowling 
viciously. 

“ That is what I said and that is what I mean. 
Ever since you came on board you have been acting 
in this same dirty fashion and I want it stopped. 
Now swab up that deck, and see that you make a 
first-class job of it. For two pins I’d make you 
black Russell’s shoes.” 

“ No black nobody’s shoes,” growled Semmel, but 
in such a low tone that Captain Ponsberry could not 
hear him. He cleaned the deck in his own ugly, in- 
dependent manner, muttering imprecations against 
both Larry and the captain in the meantime. 

As a matter of fact, even though he had denied it 
to Captain Ponsberry and others, Ostag Semmel was 
really a Russian by birth, having been born and 
raised in the seaport of Kolaska. He had been 
drafted into the army, but not wishing to serve under 
a military rule which is unusually severe, he had run 
away to sea and become a sailor. 

Life on the ocean suited Semmel very well and he 


28 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


would have remained away from Russia had it not 
been for the fact that a rich uncle had died leaving 
him a property valued at two thousand dollars — a 
small fortune in the eyes of a man of this Russian’s 
standing. He wished to go back to claim his in- 
heritance, but feared to do so, for he knew that once 
on Russian soil he would be arrested for desertion, 
and might be sent to a military prison for a great 
number of years. 

From a friend in Manila he had heard of some- 
thing which interested him greatly. This was the 
news that another deserter from the Russian army 
had been pardoned for his offense because he had 
taken home with him important news concerning the 
movements of a certain Japanese warship. 

“ If I could only do as well,” he told himself, over 
and over again, and then, when he signed articles for 
the Columbia's trip, he listened eagerly to some talk 
he overheard about the ship’s cargo. When he be- 
gan to suspect the truth — that the cargo was meant 
for the Japanese Government — his eyes glistened 
cunningly. 

“ If I can only let Russia know of this ! ” he 
reasoned. “ All will go well with me. If I can 
only let Russia know ! ” 


CHAPTER IV 


THE RUSSIAN SAILOR’S PLOT 

Captain Ponsberry’s stern manner made Ostag 
Semmel wild with hatred, and when he went back 
to the forecastle after swabbing up the deck he was 
in a fit mental condition for almost any dark deed. 

For a good half-hour he lay in his bunk in a 
corner, brooding over his ill-luck and wondering 
what he could do to revenge himself upon both the 
master of the schooner and Larry. Larry he es- 
pecially disliked — the very open-heartedness of the 
young second mate made him long to do the lad 
harm. 

At the end of the half-hour another sailor came in. 
It was Carl Peterson, his close friend. Peterson was 
a burly tar who had visited nearly every quarter of the 
globe. He loved to drink and carouse, and was ever 
ready to lend a hand in any excitement that offered. 
There was a rumor that he had once led a mutiny on 
a Danish merchant vessel, but this he denied, laying 
the blame entirely on others. 

“ Is that you, Peterson ? ” demanded Semmel, in 


29 


30 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

his native tongue, for he knew that the other could 
speak Russian fluently. 

“ Yes,” came in a rough voice from Peterson. 
He gave a coarse laugh. “ A fine job you made of 
it, to pour dirty water over Russell and then have to 
swab up the deck for it.” 

“ Who told you of that ? ” 

“ Didn’t I see it with my own eyes — and heard 
what the captain said, too.” 

“ Bah ! It makes me sick ! ” growled Semmel. 
“ I am sick of the ship — the crew — everything ! ” 

Peterson gave a short toss of his head, which was 
covered with a shock of fiery red hair. “ What are 
you going to do about it ? Even if the captain treats 
you like a dog, what shall you do, Ostag Semmel? 
He thinks we are all curs — door mats to wipe feet 
on!” 

“ He shall find out that I am neither a dog nor a 
door mat ! ” muttered the bearded Russian. “ By 
my right hand I promise you that ! ” 

“ Talk is cheap — it takes wind to make the mill 
go,” answered Peterson. To an outsider it would 
have been plain to see that he was leading Semmel 
on, in an endeavor to find out what was in his com- 
panion’s mind. 

“ It will not end in talk.” 


“ Bah ! I have heard that before.” 


THE RUSSIAN SAILOR’S PLOT 


31 


“ I have been thinking,” went on Ostag Semmel, 
slowly. “ Can I trust you? ” 

“ You know you can.” 

“ You do not love the captain — do not love that 
Russell ? ” 

“ Do I act as if I did?” 

“ Good ! Now, how many on board of this 
ship?” 

“ Fourteen men, counting in ourselves.” 

“ You count fairly. Fourteen, how many are our 
friends?” 

“ Postnak and Conroy, at least.” 

“ Then we are four, so far. Now, what of Groot 
and Shamhaven and Jack Wilbur? ” 

“ Groot is a good fellow and a man who wishes to 
make money.” 

“ And Shamhaven will do almost anything for 
money — he once told me so. He took a sailor suit 
from a store in Manila without paying for it.” 

“ I know that too. The tailor was rich and didn't 
need the money,” and Peterson gave another coarse 
laugh. 

“ Then we are six — to stand up for our rights. 
And Jack Wilbur will make seven — just half the 
number on the ship.” 

“ How can we count that Wilbur in? He is a 


Yankee.” 


32 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ He is a weakling and we can manage him, — and 
I think we can manage some others, too — when we 
get that far/’ 

“ How far do you mean ? ” demanded Peterson, 
although he knew about what was coming. 

“ Is anybody else near here? ” 

“ No,” and Peterson took a careful look around. 

“ Supposing we seize the ship — in the name of the 
Russian Government? They have a Japanese cargo 
on board, the captain cannot deny it. We can take 
the ship, sail her to some Russian port, and win both 
prize money and glory. Is it not a grand scheme ? ” 
“ Ha, that is fine ! ” Carl Peterson’s eyes glowed 
voraciously. “ Ostag, you are a man after my own 
heart! We might become rich! ” 

“ Then you like the plan? ” 

“ Yes — providing we can make it work. But it is 
a big undertaking. If we were caught we might 
swing from a yardarm for it.” 

“ We can make it work — I have another plan for 
that. I have thought it out completely. We can — 
but more later,” and Ostag Semmel broke off 
abruptly, as several sailors entered the forecastle. 
A little later he began to complain in broken English 
to a sailor named Jack Wilbur that he was suffering 
from a severe stomach ache. 

“ Sorry to hear on it,” said Wilbur, who was a 


THE RUSSIAN SAILOR’S PLOT 


33 


very mild foremast hand. “ Anything I can do 
for you ? ” 

“ I dink not,” answered Semmel. “ I dink de 
poor grub ve git mak me feel pad.” 

“ Didn’t notice that the grub was poor,” answered 
Wilbur. 

“ Very poor — not so goot as py my las’ ship,” 
answered Semmel. “ Some grub here not fit to 
eat.” 

It was soon noised around that Semmel was not 
feeling well and that he had complained that the 
food dealt out at noontime had made him sick. As 
soon as Captain Ponsberry heard of this he went to 
interview Jeff, the colored cook, who, as of old, was 
singing gayly to himself among the pots and pans 
of the ship’s galley. 

“ Wasn’t nuffin de mattah wid dat grub, Cap’n 
Ponsberry,” exclaimed Jeff, after hearing what the 
commander of the ship had to say. “ It was jess 
as good' as we always has.” 

“Was it thoroughly cooked?” 

“ Yes, sah — I don’t ’low nuffin to go from dis 
yere galley ’less it am well cooked.” 

“ Are your pots and kettles clean ? ” 

“ Yes, sah — yo’ can see fo’ yourself, sah.” 

The captain did see, and moreover he knew that 
Jeff was usually a careful and conscientious culinary 


34 


'AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


artist who always gave the men the best his stock 
afforded. 

“ Well, be careful of what you cook and how you 
cook it after this,” said Captain Ponsberry. 

“ Would yo’ mind tellin’ me, sah, who is kick- 
ing, sah? ” asked Jeff, respectfully. 

“ Semmel says he was made sick by what he ate.” 

“ Huh, dat scab! ” grunted Jeff. “ He ain’t no 
’count at all, he ain’t ! ” And the cook turned away 
in disgust. 

“ It looks to me as if Semmel was trying to make 
trouble all around,” said Tom Grandon, when he 
and the captain and Larry talked the matter over. 

“ I never liked that man from the first time I 
clapped eyes on him,” came from Larry. “ He’s a 
sneak — and worse.” 

“ I shall watch him pretty closely after this,” 
said Captain Ponsberry. “ One discontented fel- 
low like him can upset the whole ship if he sets out 
to do it.” 

“ They can’t complain of the grub,” went on the 
first mate. “ It’s as good as on any merchantman, 
and better than the law requires.” 

“ I guess it was the deck-swabbing that gave him 
the stomach ache,” said Larry, and this made the 
captain and Grandon smile. 

The next day when the sailors sat down to their 


THE RUSSIAN SAILOR’S PLOT 


35 


dinner two or three of them sniffed suspiciously at 
the food they were eating. 

“ This don’t taste just right to me,” said Sham- 
haven. “ The meat tastes decayed.” 

“ And the vegetables ain’t much better,” put in 
Conroy, — a sturdy Irish-American, who was one of 
the best seamen on the schooner. 

“ Dat dinner am fust-class,” cried Jeff. “ I ain’t 
gwine to stand yere an’ see you growlin’ at it.” 

“ It certainly tastes a bit off, Jeff,” put in Jack 
Wilbur. “ Taste it yourself.” 

The cook did so, and his face looked doubtful 
for a moment. 

“ Guess dat needs a little salt an’ pepper,” he said, 
slowly. It did not taste nearly as good as he had 
anticipated. 

As there was nothing else to do, and they were 
hungry, the men ate the meal, grumbling to them- 
selves as they did so. Luke said but little and ate 
sparingly, and his example was followed by Cal 
Vincent. 

The captain, Grandon, and Larry ate in the cabin 
and the dinner served to them was first-class in 
every particular. 

“ Guess Jeff is spreading himself, just to show 
what he can do,” remarked Larry to the first mate, 
after he had finished his repast. 


36 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ It’s very good, Larry,” answered Tom Grandon. 

By the middle of the afternoon three of the men 
were complaining of feeling sick and all attributed 
their ailments to what they had eaten for dinner. 

“ Ha ! vat I tole you ? ” cried Semmel. “ Didn’t 
I say de grub vos pad? Not maybe you belief me, 
hey?” 

“ I shan’t stand for any more poor grub,” came 
from Shamhaven. “ If I can’t get good stuff I’m 
going to the captain about it.” 

The sickness of the hands worried Captain Pons- 
berry greatly and he opened up his medicine chest and 
gave them such remedies as he thought were best. 

At supper time Jeff was extra cautious in selecting 
and preparing the food. Nevertheless, the men who 
ate of it were suspicious and more than half the 
meal went to waste. The captain was very thought- 
ful, but said little or nothing. 

On the following day the wind died down utterly 
and it was exceedingly warm. With nothing to do, 
the majority of the hands gathered at the bow to 
talk of matters in general, and the food in particular. 
Semmel and Peterson were of the number, and both 
did all in their power to magnify the outrage, as 
they termed it. 

“ Der captain don’t haf any right to gif us such 
grub,” said Semmel. “ It vos against der law.” 


THE RUSSIAN SAILOR’S PLOT 37 

“ On some ships there would be a mutiny over 
this,” added Peterson. 

Larry overheard a part of the conversation and 
it set him thinking. Luke Striker also grew sus- 
picious. 

“ Unless I am mistaken, this is some of Semmel’s 
work,” said Larry to the old tar. “ He is doing his 
level best to make trouble on the ship.” 

“ Well, he better mind his business,” grumbled 
Luke. “ I don’t reckon the captain will stand fer 
any underhanded work.” 

Without appearing to do so, Larry continued to 
keep his eyes on Semmel, and about an hour before 
dinner he saw the bearded sailor approach the cook’s 
galley and look inside. Jeff was below, getting a 
case of canned goods. With a swift movement, 
Semmel stepped into the galley, raised the lid of a 
big pot full of stew that was on the stove, and 
sprinkled something over the food. Then he hur- 
ried out and sneaked forward once more. 

“ The rascal ! ” murmured Larry. “ So this is 
his game. I wonder what he put into that pot ? ” 

For the moment the young second mate thought 
to confront Semmel and demand an explanation. 
Then he changed his mind and hurried for the cabin, 
to tell the news to Captain Ponsberry. 


CHAPTER V 


SIGNS OF A MUTINY 

“ Eve found out something important, Captain 
Ponsberry,” said Larry, as he entered the cabin. 
“ I now know what’s the matter with the grub.’ y 
To all salt-water sailors food is grub and nothing 
else. 

“Well, what is the matter with it?” questioned 
the master of the Columbia, quickly. 

“ It’s being doctored, that’s what’s the matter.” 

“ Doctored ? ” 

“ Yes, sir, — doctored by Semmel, too.” 

“ Will you explain what you mean, Larry? ” de- 
manded the captain, intensely interested. 

“ I just saw that rascal go into the cook’s galley. 
Jeff wasn’t there, and Semmel took the lid off of a 
big pot on the stove and sprinkled something in- 
side.” 

“ What ! ” Captain Ponsberry leaped to his feet. 
“ Are you certain of this ? ” he demanded. 

“ I am — for I saw it with my own eyes.” 

“ What was that stuff he put into the pot ? ” 

38 


SIGNS OF A MUTINY 


39 


“ I don’t know.” 

“ Did he touch anything else ? ” 

“ No. He was in a tremendous hurry and was- 
n’t in the galley more than a minute at the most.” 

“ The scoundrel ! ” Captain Ponsberry clenched 
his fists. “ Larry, you are positive you are making 
no mistake ? ” 

“ I saw the thing done just as I told you. The 
stuff was in a bit of white paper; When he went 
forward he threw the paper overboard.” 

“ Did anybody else see this ? ” 

“ I don’t think so. But ” 

At that moment came a knock on the cabin door 
and Luke Striker appeared. 

“ Excuse me, sir,” he said, touching his cap. 
“ But I’ve got something important to report.” 

“What is it, Striker?” 

“ I jess see that air Semmel go in and out o’ the 
cook’s galley.” 

“ That is just what I am reporting! ” cried Larry. 
“ Did you see what he did, Luke? ” 

“ No. He wasn’t in there only a minit. It 
looked suspicious to me, though — with all hands 
gittin’ sick from the grub.” 

“ This is all the evidence I want,” said Captain 
Ponsberry. “ We’ll soon make an end of this. 
Larry, send Semmel to me.” 


40 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


The young second mate left the cabin with Luke 
and both hurried toward the bow, where Semmel 
and Peterson were conversing in low tones. 

“The captain wants to see you at once/’ said 
Larry to the bearded sailor. 

His tone was so sharp it made Semmel start. 

“Vat he vants?” he queried. 

“ Go and find out for yourself.” 

“ Maybe you git me in droubles, hey? ” and the 
bearded sailor scowled. 

“ I reckon as how you’re gittin’ yourself into 
trouble,” drawled Luke, dryly. 

“ You keep your mouf shut ! ” cried Semmel. “ I 
no talk to you, no ! ” 

“ The captain wants you to report ; are you going 
to do so or not ? ” demanded Larry. 

“ Sure I go,” answered Semmel, with a toss of 
his head, and he slouched toward the stern. His 
manner was so aggressive that Larry picked up a 
belaying pin before following him. 

Captain Ponsberry had just appeared on deck. 
He had armed himself with a short club, — a sure 
sign to those who knew him that something unusual 
was in the wind. His face was stern and forbid- 
ding, and all hands gathered around to see what 
was the trouble. 

“ Semmel, I want to have a talk with you,” he 


SIGNS OF A MUTINY 


41 


said, in a loud voice, as the bearded sailor came 
up. 

To this the sailor nodded but did not answer. 

“ I want to know what you were doing in the 
cook’s galley a short while ago.” 

“ De cook’s galley?” The sailor acted as if he 
was puzzled. “ I no go by de galley, captain.” 

“ You were in the galley and you put something 
into the stew-pot. What was it?” thundered Cap- 
tain Ponsberry. “ Tell me the truth, or I may take 
it into my head to break every bone in your body! ” 
And he shook his club in the sailor’s face. 

“ I put noddings in de pot,” cried Semmel. “ I 
r.o go in de galley — I no been in de galley two, 
tree days. It is a lie ! ” 

“ I saw you go in,” came from Luke. 

“ And so did I,” added Larry. “ And I saw you 
sprinkle something into the pot.” 

“ What, did dat good-fo’-nuffin furiner put some- 
t’ing in ma eatin’?” shrieked Jeff, who had come 
up. “ Oh, — yo’ — yo’ ” 

“ Never mind, Jeff, I’ll attend to this,” inter- 
rupted the captain. 

“ Yes, sah, but dat monkey-faced ” 

“ Never mind now — fall back there,” added the 
captain, and the cook fell back, but shook his fist 
at Semmel. 


42 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ I not in de galley/’ reiterated the bearded sailor. 
“ Russell an’ Striker no tell de truth.” 

“ It is true,” cried Larry. 

“ Thet’s so, an’ you can’t squirm out o’ it,” broke 
in Luke. “ I saw ye as plain as day.” 

“ I want to know what you put into that stew- 
pot ? ” continued Captain Ponsberry. 

“ I no go near de galley. I ” 

“ I know you went into the galley and I know 
you put something into the stew. For the last time 
I ask you, what was it ? ” 

For reply Ostag Semmel simply shrugged his 
shoulders. 

“ Are you going to tell me the truth? ” 

“ I reckon the truth ain’t in him,” grumbled Luke, 
under his breath. 

“ I say noddings more,” came sourly from the 
bearded sailor. 

“ Put that man in irons,” commanded Captain 
Ponsberry, turning quickly to Larry and Grandon. 
“ If he won’t talk now, perhaps he’ll talk after he 
has spent a day in the brig.” 

“ Vat! you put me in irons!” shrieked Semmel. 
“ You no got right to do dat, no ! ” 

“ Haven’t I ? ” answered Captain Ponsberry, in a 
voice that cut like a whip. “ I’d like to see anybody 
dispute over it. Larry, Tom, do as I command.” 



“Put tkit man in irons,” commanded Captain Ponsberry. 

Page 42. 






SIGNS OF A MUTINY 


43 


“ Yes, sir,” answered Larry, and ran off to get 
a pair of handcuffs while Tom Grandon stationed 
himself beside Ostag Semmel, belaying pin in hand. 

“ You no mak me a prisoner ! ” fumed the bearded 
sailor. “ You got no right! ” 

He continued to rave, saying that it was a plot 
against him, because he had been the first to com- 
plain about the vile food served to the hands; that 
he had not been near the galley and that the captain, 
Grandon, and Larry knew it. He even appealed to 
the other sailors to stand by him, and several came 
forward to argue with Captain Ponsberry. But the 
master of the schooner was obstinate and would not 
listen. 

“ I know what I am doing, men,” he said, quickly 
but firmly. “ He is a scoundrel and a spell in the 
brig will do him good. After this I reckon you’ll 
find the grub all right.” 

“ I no like ” began Peterson, once more. 

“ You shut up, Peterson, or I’ll put you in the 
brig with Semmel,” cut in the captain, and Peterson 
fell back with the rest, but with a brow that was dark 
and distrustful. 

By this time Larry had returned with the hand- 
cuffs and despite the resistance he offered, Ostag 
Semmel was made a prisoner. Then the first and 
the second mates led him to the schooner’s brig, — 


44 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


a narrow, V-shaped room in the bow of the boat, 
usually used for storing lanterns and oil. The smell 
in the closet — for it was nothing else — was far from 
pleasant, and a day in the brig usually made a 
prisoner repent and promise to do better. 

“ I mak trouble for dis ! ” growled Semmel, as the 
door was closed and bolted on him. “ I mak 
trouble, yes ! You got no right to do dis, no ! ” 

“ And you haven’t any right to doctor the grub,” 
answered Larry, and then he and Grandon walked 
away. 

“ That fellow is a first-class villain, to my way of 
reasoning,” was the first mate’s comment. “ I be- 
lieve he’d do almost anything to get square for 
this.” 

After Ostag Semmel had been placed in the brig 
Captain Ponsberry called all hands to him once more 
and related what Luke and Larry had seen. The 
stew was inspected, but nothing suspicious could be 
seen about it. 

“ If any of you want to try that stew you may do 
so,” said the captain. “ Of course, if Semmel didn’t 
touch it there can be nothing in it that can hurt you.” 
But all, even to Peterson, declined to even taste the 
food. It was one thing to think Semmel innocent 
but quite another to run the risk of being made sick 
or poisoned. In the end the stew was dumped over- 


SIGNS OF A MUTINY 45 

board and Jeff prepared an entirely new dinner for 
all hands. 

“You must keep close watch on all of the men,” 
said the captain to Larry and Grandon, when quiet- 
ness had been restored. “ Semmel was the worst of 
the lot, but I do not like the way Peterson and one or 
two others are acting.” 

“ I don’t see what they can do,” answered Larry. 

“ They might start a mutiny,” came from the first 
mate. 

“ Would they dare go as far as that ? ” 

“ Sometimes sailors get strange notions, and the 
old Harry himself can’t stop them,” said Captain 
Ponsberry. “ A thing that in itself doesn’t amount 
to much will start them off, and they’ll imagine that 
everything is going wrong. When I was a lad, on 
board the Mary Elisa , Captain Snapper, we had a 
mutiny just because the coffee wasn’t right.” 

“ Yes, and I can remember that they had a mutiny 
on the old brig Chesterfield because Captain Roe’s 
wife brought a cross-eyed yellow cat on board,” 
added Grandon. “ Not a man would hoist a sail un- 
til that feline was put ashore. And when, two 
months later, the brig lost her foremast in a gale, the 
sailors said it was on account of that same cat, she 
having scratched the mast before she was taken 
away ! ” 


46 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Well, I hope we don’t have a mutiny,” said 
Larry. “ I’d like to suggest something, Captain 
Ponsberry,” he went on, to the master of the 
Columbia. 

“ Fire ahead, Larry.” 

“ You know we can trust Luke Striker. Why not 
have him report just what the other hands are 
doing? ” 

“ That’s an idea, and I will act on it. Yes, I’d 
trust Striker as quick as I’d trust you. If there is to 
be trouble we certainly want to know of it as soon as 
possible,” concluded the captain. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE FIGHT FOR THE SHIP 

The day to follow was Sunday, and contrary to 
expectations, it passed quietly. As there was hardly 
any wind, the old Columbia made slow progress, and 
the sailors had little or nothing to do. As was his 
usual habit, Larry read his Bible, and Captain Pons- 
berry held a short church service, which less than 
half the crew attended. 

“ It’s plain to see that the men are sulky,” said 
Tom Grandon, towards evening. “We are certain 
to hear something from them shortly.” 

Luke had been told to report anything unusual, 
but it was not until after dark that he sought out 
Captain Ponsberry. 

“ I ain’t got much to say,” said the old tar. “ But 
to my mind Peterson, Groot, and Shamhaven are 
doin’ a powerful lot of confabbin’. More’n that, I 
saw Peterson cleaning up a pistol he’s got.” 

“ Are any of the other hands armed? ” 

“ I ain’t seen no other shootin’-irons,” answered 
Luke. 


47 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


The captain had expected to interview Semmel 
once more, but found the fellow so surly he gave up 
the attempt. As the brig was so hot and uncom- 
fortable, the master of the schooner had the door 
fixed so it could be left open several inches, with a 
chain at the bolt to keep it from going further. 

At four o’clock Monday morning Peterson came 
on duty, followed by Shamhaven and some others. 
All made their way to the bow and began to talk in 
a low but earnest fashion. Then Peterson went 
below, to where Semmel was still confined in the 
brig. 

“We are ready to move now,” said he, in Rus- 
sian. “ What do you think ? ” 

“ Let me out and I will show you what I think,” 
growled Ostag Semmel. “ The captain is a dog — 
and Grandon and Russell are dogs, too ! ” 

Peterson was prepared to unlock the chain which 
held the brig door and did so. Then he handed a 
pistol to the Russian. 

“ The captain and Russell are in their state- 
rooms,” said Peterson. “ Only Grandon is on deck, 
with Vincent and with the men we can trust to help 
us.” 

“ We can’t trust Vincent.” 

“ I know that.” 


“ Where is Striker ? ” 


THE FIGHT FOR THE SHIP 


49 


“ Asleep in his berth.” 

But on this score Carl Peterson was mistaken. 
Luke had pretended to go to sleep, but he was 
now in a corner on deck, watching with keen eyes 
all that was occurring. Presently he saw Sem- 
mel in company with Peterson hurry towards 
the bow, and he felt that the time for action had 
arrived. 

“ Hi, Mr. Grandon ! ” he called out, running up 
to the first mate. 

“ What is it, Striker?” 

“ They’ve released Semmel and they are arming 
themselves.” 

“You don’t say!” Tom Grandon was stunned 
for the instant. “ Tell the captain and Russell of 
this at once ! ” 

“ Aye, aye, sir ! ” 

Rushing down the companionway, Luke entered 
the cabin and knocked on the door of Captain Pons- 
berry’s stateroom. 

“ Wake up, captain ! ” he called, loudly. “ Wake 
up ! There is going to be trouble putty quick, to my 
way o’ thinkin’ ! ” 

“ What has gone wrong now ? ” demanded the 
master of the Columbia , as he hurried into his clothes 
and armed himself. “ Where is Grandon ? ” 

“ On deck ; he sent me to tell you. They have 


5o 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


set Semmel free and some of ’em are arming them- 
selves.” 

“ A mutiny ! ” roared Captain Ponsberry. 
“ Striker, you’ll stand by me, of course ? ” 

“ That I will, sir — to the end.” 

“ Good. I know Vincent will do the same. Do 
you know anything about the others ? ” 

“ I think you can count on Jeff the cook.” 

“ What of Wilbur?” 

“ He’s so weak-kneed I don’t know what he’ll do,” 
answered Striker. 

By this time Larry was out of his stateroom. 
With his door ajar he had heard all that had been 
said. 

“ Oh, Luke, do you think they’ll try to seize the 
ship ? ” he gasped. 

“ Don’t know what they’ll do. They’re a plumb 
crazy lot,” growled the old tar. “ It was a mistake 
to take such fellers as Semmel and Peterson and 
Shamhaven aboard.” 

“ That is true, but when Devine and Larson got 
sick and went to the hospital at Manila I had to get 
somebody,” answered Captain Ponsberry. He 
brought out several pistols. “ Here, Larry, take one 
of these, and a cutlass, too, and you, Striker, can arm 
yourself likewise.” 

There was no time to answer, for the master of 


THE FIGHT FOR THE SHIP 


51 


the schooner was already striding through the cabin 
in the direction of the companionway. An instant 
later came a yell from the deck, followed by heavy 
footsteps and then the report of a pistol. 

“ Drive dem to de cabin ! ” came in the voice of 
Semmel. “ Drive dem along, kvick ! ” And then 
followed another yell and the sounds of half a dozen 
blows. 

“ Below there ! ” came in Tom Grandon’s voice. 
“ Help ! help ! ” 

“ I’m coming ! ” called up Captain Ponsberry. 

“ Don’t you dare to step on deck, captain ! ’’ yelled 
down the voice of Shamhaven. “ Don’t you dare to 
do it ! ” And the sailor appeared, pistol in hand, at 
the top of the companionway. 

“ Shamhaven, what does this mean ? ” demanded 
the master of the Columbia. 

“ It means that we have taken possession of the 
ship, that’s what it means,” came from Groot. 

“ Of you come up here, you maybe git killed,” 
put in Ostag Semmel. “ You stay down dare, you 
hear ? ” And then, as the captain started to mount 
the stairs, he threw down a belaying pin. In the 
semi-darkness the captain did not see the object, and 
it struck him on the top of the head, rendering him 
partly unconscious. 

Larry and Luke were close behind their leader and 


52 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


both were alarmed to see him go down, uttering a 
deep groan as he did so. 

“ Is he killed ? ” questioned the young second mate. 

“ I don’t know,” was the old tar’s response. 
“ Shall we go up ? ” 

“ Keep back there ! ” was the call from above. 
“ Put a step on those stairs and it will be the worse 
for you ! ” 

At that moment .came a cry from Cal Vincent. 
The boatswain had been attacked from behind and 
was given no chance to defend himself. Then came 
a roar from Jeff, who came rushing toward the 
companionway as if all the demons of the deep were 
behind him. 

“ Sabe me ! sabe me ! ” he screamed. “ Da is 
gwine to pirate de ship ! Sabe me ! ” And then 
he came plunging down headlong, directly on top of 
Larry, Luke, and the prostrate captain. 

This unexpected coming of Jeff sent the young 
second mate and the old tar flat on Captain Pons- 
berry, and for the moment there was a struggle all 
around. In the meantime some sailors on the deck 
began to drag a heavy hatch toward the stairs. 
Soon this was placed in position, and then those 
below were virtually prisoners. 

“ Oh my, sabe me ! ” groaned Jeff once more, as 
he managed to get on his feet in the cabin, followed 


THE FIGHT FOR THE SHIP 


53 


by Larry and Luke. “ Don’t you let dem swing me 
from de yardarm ! ” 

“Jeff, where are Grandon and Vincent?” de- 
manded Larry. 

“ I dunno,' sah — dead, I guess,” answered the 
cook. “ Oh, dis am de awfulest t’ing wot I eber 
heard tell ob! ” he added, woefully, and wrung his 
hands. 

The lantern in the cabin was turned up and Larry 
gave his attention once more to Captain Ponsberry, 
who was now opening his eyes. 

“ Oh, my head ! ” came with a shiver. “ My 
head!” 

“ I’m glad they didn’t kill you,” said Larry, 
kindly. “ Luke, help me carry him into the cabin. 
We’ll put him on the couch.” 

This was done, and they did what they could to 
make the master of the schooner comfortable. But 
it was a good half-hour before Captain Ponsberry 
could sit up and do any rational thinking. 

On deck all had become suddenly quiet. Occa- 
sionally those below could hear a footstep near the 
companionway, showing that one or more of the 
mutineers were on guard. The hatch shut off 
the view on deck, and the windows in the ceiling 
of the cabin were also boarded over from the out- 
side. 


54 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ They have us like rats in a trap,” said Larry, 
bitterly. 

“ And for all we know Vincent and Grandon are 
both dead,” returned Luke Striker, soberly. “ I 
must say, lad, we seem to be in a bad way and no 
mistake.” 

“ Dey’ll throw us overboard, I know dey will ! ” 
groaned Jeff, who was almost white with terror. 
“ I neber see sech goin’s-on in all ma life ! ” 

To fight the mutineers further was, just then, out 
of the question, and Larry turned his attention again 
to Captain Ponsberry. At last the captain seemed 
fully to comprehend what had occurred. He once 
more moved toward the companionway, pistol in 
hand. 

“ You can’t get out that way, sir,” said Larry. 
“ They have placed the fore hatch over the stairs.” 

“ And they are armed, too,” put in Luke. “ Be 
careful, sir, or they’ll shoot you down.” 

“ And this on my own ship ! ” came bitterly from 
the master of the Columbia. “ That is what I get 
for treating the dogs better than they deserve. 
Where are Grandon and Vincent?” 

“ Either shot down or taken prisoners. They 
called for help, and that was the last we heard of 
them.” 

“ And are all the others in this dastardly plot? ” 


THE FIGHT FOR THE SHIP 


55 


“ I reckon they ar e,” answered Luke. “ Them 
foreigners, Semmel an’ Peterson, must have stirred 
’em up powerfully.” 

Still weak from the blow received, Captain Pons- 
berry sank down once more on the cabin couch. 
There was a lump as big as a walnut on the top of 
his head, and he had Jeff bathe it with water and 
then with witch-hazel, which made it a trifle more 
comfortable. 

A short while later came a sudden wild song from 
the deck of the schooner, followed by a clinking of 
glasses. 

“ They are treating themselves to grog,” said 
Luke. “ I suppose, now they have the run of things, 
they’ll drink all they want of the stuff.” 

“ More than likely,” returned the captain. 
“ Well, it is their turn just now — perhaps before 
long it will be my turn ! ” And he smiled signifi- 
cantly. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 

As my old readers know, both Captain Ponsberry 
and Luke Striker were Yankees to the backbone, 
and it galled them exceedingly to see the schooner 
in the hands of a number of mutineers, and es- 
pecially foreigners. 

“ We’ve got to git the ship back, no two ways 
on it,” growled the old tar. “ Captain, I’m willin’ to 
fight to the end, if ye give the word.” 

“ And I’ll fight, too,” said Larry, promptly. 

“ Don’t you go fo’ to fight dem rascallions ! ” 
whined Jeff. “ Yo’ will all be killed suah ! ” 

“ I would like to know what has become of Gran- 
don and Vincent,” came from Captain Ponsberry. 
“ As we stand now, we are but four to seven or 
eight. If we could get Grandon and Vincent to aid 
us we would be six against them.” 

“ Perhaps all the hands are not in the mu- 
tiny,” suggested Larry. “ Why not try to sound 
them?” 

“ I was thinking of doing that.” 

56 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 


5 7 


A little later Captain Ponsberry called up the com- 
panionway. At first nobody paid any attention to 
him, but presently the hatch was shoved aside a few 
inches and Ostag Semmel looked down. Behind 
him was Shamhaven. 

“ Semmel, what does this mean ? ” asked the cap- 
tain, as calmly as he could. 

“ It means dat ve haf de ship/’ replied the Rus- 
sian, with a grin. 

“ You are carrying matters with a very high hand. 
Where are Grandon and Vincent? ” 

“ I not tell you dat.” 

“ We had a right to mutiny,” said Shamhaven. 
“ The grub wasn’t fit to eat and was getting worse 
every day.” 

“ That’s a tale gotten up for the occasion, Sham- 
haven, and you know it. Semmel doctored the food 
to make you dissatisfied.” 

“ Well, we don’t think so,” grumbled the sailor. 
“ I don’t think^o, and Groot and the others don’t 
either.” 

“ Has Jack Wilbur joined you? ” 

“ Certainly he has,” was Shamhaven’s ready 
reply, but his look belied his words. 

“ Ve are all pount to stick togedder,” said Sem- 
mel. “ You might as veil gif up — der sooner der 
petter for you ! ” 


58 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ I don’t propose to give up, you rascal.” 

“ Ton’t you call me a rascals, no ! ” shouted Ostag 
Semmel. “ I vos now der captains, yes, do you 
hear ? Captain Semmel ! ” 

“ Bosh ! ” put in Luke Striker, in disgust. “ Why 
ye ain’t fit to be the skipper ’f a canal-boat ! ” 

“ If you try to navigate the ship you’ll sink her on 
the rocks,” put in Larry. 

“ You had better consider what you are doing, 
Shamhaven,” went on the master of the Columbia. 
“ Remember, if I regain possession of the schooner I 
can make it go hard with you.” 

“ You no get dare schooner again, not much ! ” 
came from Peterson, who had just come up, followed 
by Jack Wilbur. 

“Wilbur, are you in this?” demanded the cap' 
tain. “ If you are, I must confess I didn’t think it 
of you.” 

“ I ain’t goin’ to eat poor grub,” answered 
Wilbur, lamely. 

“ The grub is all right and you know it. It was 
doctored up by Semmel, and I ” 

“ You stop dat talk ! ” roared Semmel, and then 
he added : “ Maybe you gif in after you are goot an’ 
hungry, hey ? ” 

“What, do you want to starve us out?” cried 
Larry. 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 59 

“ You see — chust vait ! ” answered the Russian, 
and with this the hatch was again put in place and 
the conference came to an end. 

Captain Ponsberry was fairly boiling with wrath, 
but even so he realized that prudence is often the 
better part of valor. 

“ There is no use of trying a rush to the deck,” 
he said. “ Those rascals would surely shoot us 
down. Just now some of them are in the humor 
for anything.” 

“ Perhaps we can do something to-night,” sug- 
gested Larry. 

“ They talk about starving us out,” said Luke. 
“ Ain’t there nothin’ to eat here ? ” 

An inspection was made of the cabin pantry, 
which brought to light some preserves, some pickles, 
a pot of cheese, and a tin of fancy crackers. 

“ About enough for one meal,” said Captain Pons- 
berry, grimly. 

“ And a pretty slim one at^that,” added Larry. 
“ But I say, captain,” he added, suddenly, “ isn’t 
there a door leading from the back of the pantry 
down into the hold ? ” 

“ There was once — but I had it nailed up years 
ago, for we never used it.” 

“ If we can open that, we might get something 
from the hold.” 


6o 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Going to eat machinery ? ” demanded Luke. 

“ No — canned goods, Luke; I know Jeff had some 
placed there, for he didn’t have room in his store- 
room.” 

“ Dat am a fac’,” put in the cook. “ I’se got lots 
ob t’ings in dat dar hold.” 

“ Then that settles the starving question,” said 
Captain Ponsberry. “ I’ve got a small saw and a 
hammer down here somewhere. We can use them 
on the door.” 

“ And that gives me another idea,” went on Larry. 
“ The hatch covering over the companionway be- 
longs to the fore hatch. If we can reach that open- 
ing from here, why can’t we steal on deck when we 
get the chance and try to make the mutineers 
prisoners ? ” 

“ Eureka ! ” shouted Luke. “ That’s the talk, 
Larry. Fer your years you’ve got a wonderfully 
long head on ye. We’ll make ’em prisoners or 
chuck ’em overboard ! ” 

“ The idea is worth considering,” said the captain. 
“ But we must be careful.” 

A search was made and the hammer, small saw, 
and also a chisel were found. Then they cleaned 
out the pantry, took down several shelves, and 
thus uncovered the small door which had been 
nailed up. 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 


6 1 


“ Don’t make any noise, or they’ll suspect 
that we are up to something,” said Captain Pons- 
berry. 

“ Let Jeff rattle some dishes,” said Larry, and 
while he and Luke worked on the door, the cook be- 
gan to handle the dishes in such a rough manner that 
several were broken. He also tried to sing a couple 
of verses of his favorite song, “ My Gal Susannah ! ” 
but his voice was so shaky that the effort was, artisti- 
cally, a failure, although it added to the noise, which 
was all that was desired. 

“ They’re pretty happy down there,” said 
Wilbur to Shamhaven, as he listened to the 
sounds. 

“ Oh, they’re putting on a front,” growled Sham- 
haven. “ They’ll sing a different tune when their 
stomachs are empty.” 

“ I don’t know about this mutiny,” went on the 
weak-kneed sailor, nervously. 

“ Oh, it’s all right and you needn’t to worry, 
Wilbur. If we stick together we’ll make a couple of 
thousand apiece out of this game.” 

“ But what shall we do if we fall in with a Rus- 
sian warship?” 

“ Semmel has that all fixed. He’ll expose the 
captain and state that the Columbia is carrying a 
cargo for the Japanese Government, and that he 


62 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


took possession in the name of the Czar. With this 
war on they won’t ask too many questions so long as 
they can give the Japs a black eye.” 

“ I see. But supposing we fall in with a Japanese 
warship ? ” 

“ Then Semmel is going to turn the command 
over to me and I’ll tell them that the cargo was 
really meant for the Japanese Government but that 
Captain Ponsberry, just before we left Manila, sold 
out to the Russian agents and was going to Vladi- 
vostok. I’ll add that we refused to go to the Rus- 
sian port after signing for Nagasaki, and all of the 
men can back me up. That will put the captain and 
his friends in limbo and give us some prize money. 
Oh, we’ll come out ahead, don’t you worry,” con- 
cluded Shamhaven, confidently. 

The day passed slowly and the mutineers held 
several meetings, to settle upon just what they were 
going to do. But all had been drinking more than 
was good for them and the conferences ended in 
nothing but talk. Semmel was the accepted leader, 
but it was plain to see that Shamhaven objected 
strongly to playing a secondary part, and Peterson 
also wanted a large “ finger in the pie.” 

As they worked with care, it was a good hour and 
a half before Larry and Luke managed to take down 
the door leading into the hold. Even when this was 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 63 

done they found on the other side several heavy cases 
of machinery almost impossible to budge. 

“ We can pry those out of the way/’ said the cap- 
tain. 

“A foot or so will do it,” returned Larry. 

“ Then I think I can crawl over the top.” 

They continued the work, and a little later the 
young second mate was able to squeeze his way to 
the top of the cargo in that vicinity. 

“ Be careful, Larry,” warned the captain. “ If a 
case should shift with the ship you might get a 
crushed leg. You had better take a candle along.” 

“ I will, sir.” 

Luke was as anxious to get into the hold as the 
young second mate, and he too squeezed his tall, 
lank form through the opening. Guided by the 
faint light of the candle, they crawled over a num- 
ber of cases of machinery and war goods until they 
drew close to the middle of the ship. 

“ Here we are ! ” cried Larry, in a low voice, and 
pointed to some cases of canned goods. “ Beans, 
corn, tomatoes, salt pork, condensed milk — we won't 
starve just yet, Luke.” 

“ An' here are some barrels o’ flour,” added 
the old tar. “ No, they can’t starve us nohow 
now.” 

They had brought the chisel and hammer along, ^ 


64 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

and with extra caution opened some of the cases. 
Taking with them all the goods they could carry, 
they returned to the cabin. 

“ This is splendid ! ” cried Captain Ponsberry. 
“ With this stuff on hand we can hold the cabin in- 
definitely.” 

“ How is I gwine to cook ? ” questioned Jeff. 

“ Over the two lanterns, Jeff. It will be slow 
work, but our time is our own. Luckily there are 
pots and tins in the pantry.” 

“ All right, sah.” 

“ Of course, I am hoping that we shall not have to 
stay here long,” went on the captain. “ But it is 
best to be prepared.” 

That those on deck might not see the cooking go- 
ing on, one of the staterooms was cleaned out and 
Jeff went to work in this. In the meantime Semmel 
called down the companionway once more. 

“ Are you gettin’ hungry? ” he asked. 

“ Tell him yes,” whispered Larry. 

“ Why ? ” questioned the captain, in an equally 
low tone. 

“ Then he’ll think we are getting ready to come 
to terms and he won’t watch us so closely.” 

“ I see.” Captain Ponsberry raised his voice. 
“ Yes, we are hungry,” he called up. “ What are 
you going to send us, something good ? ” 


THE MUTINEERS IN POSSESSION 65 

“ Ve send noddings. Maybe you talk business 
soon, hey? ” continued the rascally Russian. 

“ Perhaps.” 

“ How soon ? ” 

“ Well, perhaps to-morrow morning.” 

“ Not before dot, hey? ” 

“ No.” 

“ All right den ; you can go on an’ starve so 
long ! ” growled Ostag Semmel, and went away. A 
moment later he met Shamhaven. 

“ What did he say? ” asked the latter, anxiously. 

“ He comes to terms to-morrow ! ” answered the 
Russian, triumphantly. 


CHAPTER VIII 


TURNING THE TABLES 

The meal which Jeff prepared put all in the cabin 
in better humor, and as soon as it was over a council 
of war was held. 

It was decided to wait until darkness had set in, 
and then try to gain the deck of the ship by way of 
the fore hatch. In the meantime the door to the 
companionway was to be locked and barred, so that 
the mutineers could not attack them very well from 
that direction, should a running fight ensue. 

As Jeff would be of no use in a struggle he was 
delegated to remain in the cabin, to make as much 
noise as possible, singing and talking to himself, so 
that the mutineers might not suspect what was tak- 
ing place. 

Each member of the party armed himself both 
with a pistol and a cutlass, and Larry led the way as 
before, candle in hand. It was easy for Luke to 
follow him, but rather difficult for the captain, who 
was more portly. 

“ Reckon as how ye shouldn’t have eaten so much, 
66 


TURNING THE TABLES 67 

captain/’ chuckled the old tar, as he helped Captain 
Ponsberry through a particularly narrow place. 

“ True, Striker,” was the answer. “ But you be 
careful that you don’t slip into some slit between 
the cases and go out of sight.” 

They soon gained the spot where the canned goods 
had been found. They had now to climb over some 
machinery that reached nearly to the top of the hold, 
and then over a varied collection of boxes and bar- 
rels and bags. On the bags lay some of the old 
sails of the ship and several coils of discarded 
rope. 

They were just approaching the open fore hatch 
when they saw a rope ladder let down. Instantly 
Larry uttered a warning and put out the light. 

“ Somebody is coming down,” he whispered. 

It was the sailor Wilbur, who had been sent to 
get some canned goods for cooking purposes. He 
came down the rope ladder with a lantern slung over 
one arm. 

“ We’ll make him a prisoner ! ” cried Captain 
Ponsberry. “ And let us do it as quietly as we can, 
so as not to disturb those on deck.” 

The others understood and crouched back in the 
darkness. Then, as Wilbur passed them, the cap- 
tain caught him from the back and Larry clapped 
a hand over the fellow’s mouth. 


68 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Oh ! ” spluttered Wilbur, but that was as far 
as he got. 

“ Not a word ! Not a sound, Wilbur ! ” said 
Captain Ponsberry, earnestly. 

The sailor understood, and being a craven at heart 
he almost collapsed. It was an easy matter to take 
one of the old ropes and tie his hands behind him. 
Then Captain Ponsberry confronted the mutineer, 
making a liberal exhibition of his pistol as he 
did so. 

“ Wilbur, answer me truthfully,” said the master 
of the Columbia. “ Are you all in this mutiny or 
not? Don’t speak above a whisper.” 

“ I ain’t in it ! ” whined Wilbur. “ They dragged 
me in, they did. I ain’t kicking about grub, or 
nothing! ” 

“ Are all the others in it ? ” 

“ Kind of, yes. Groot didn’t care much to go in. 
Guess he wish he was out of it now.” 

“ What has become of Grandon and Vincent?” 

“ Both of ’em are prisoners in the brig.” 

“ Are they wounded ? ” 

“ Not much. Grandon had his thumb cut and 
Vincent got a kick in the back that lamed him.” 

“ Is anybody guarding them ? ” 

“ I guess not. All of ’em have got to drinking 
again. Say, captain, let me out of this fix and I’ll 


TURNING THE TABLES 


H 


6 9 


never go against you again, never,” continued Wil- 
bur, earnestly. 

“ We’ll see about that later,” was the grim 
reply. 

“ Captain Ponsberry, I have a scheme,” put in 
Larry, and he drew the master of the ship to one 
side. “ Wilbur is about the same build as myself. 
Let me take his coat and cap and go on deck and 
down to the brig. If I can release Grandon and 
Vincent we’ll be sure to knock out the mutiny in no 
time.” 

“ IPs a dangerous game, Larry.” 

“ Oh, please let me do it ! ” pleaded the young 
second mate. The hazard was one which appealed 
to him strongly. 

The matter was talked over for a few minutes 
and it was decided to let Larry have his way. Wil- 
bur was soon stripped of his coat and the young 
second mate donned the garment. Then he took 
the mutineer’s cap and pulled it as far over his brow 
as possible and turned up the coat collar. 

“ I’ll leave the lantern here,” he said, and a sec- 
ond later was mounting the rope ladder slowly and 
cautiously. 

With his head on a level with the deck Larry 
paused to reconnoiter the situation. He knew ex- 
actly how dangerous his mission was and that he 


70 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


was running the risk of being shot. But his life in 
our navy had made him bold, and seeing nobody in 
sight, he leaped out on deck, and hurried with all 
speed to the ladder leading to the brig. Soon he 
was in front of the barred door. 

“ Grandon ! Vincent ! ” he called, softly. 

“ Hullo, who’s that ? ” came in the voice of the 
first mate. 

“ It is I, Larry. Is Vincent there? ” 

“Yes. Where did you come from?” 

“ The cabin.” Larry unbarred the door. “ Are 
you hurt ? ” 

“ Not much. How are you? ” 

“ I am all right, and so are the captain and Luke 
Striker. They are in the hold, ready to come on 
deck. We have made Wilbur a prisoner.” 

“ Good enough,” came from the boatswain. 
“ The rascals ! They ought all to walk the plank ! ” 
he added, vehemently. 

The two men had their hands tied behind them, 
but it was an easy matter for Larry to liberate them. 
Then each provided himself with a belaying pin, and 
all three of the party stole to the deck. 

From the forecastle and the cook’s galley came 
loud talking, showing that the mutineers were mak- 
ing themselves at home. One man was trying to 
do some cooking. 


TURNING THE TABLES 


7 1 


“ What’s keeping Wilbur so long? ” he demanded 
of the others. 

Nobody knew, and one of the crowd, the sailor 
named Groot, volunteered to look the missing one 
up. 

“ Let us follow him to the hatch,” whispered 
Larry. “ Perhaps we can make him a prisoner.” 

“ Right you are,” answered Tom Grandon. 

With caution they came up behind the man, and 
just as Groot leaned over the open hatchway, they 
caught him tightly. 

“ Keep silent, Groot ! ” said Grandon. “ Keep 
silent, or we’ll throw you overboard.” 

“ Stop ! ” roared the mutineer. “ Help ! hel ” 

He got no further, for raising his belaying pin, 
Vincent brought it down on the mutineer’s head. 
Groot had been the one to lame the boatswain’s 
back and the latter had not forgotten it. Over went 
the fellow and sank down as if dead. 

“ Drop him into the hold,” ordered Grandon, and 
this was done just as Captain Ponsberry and 
Luke Striker appeared at the foot of the rope 
ladder. 

“ Another, eh ? ” said the master of the Columbia. 
“ Good enough! How are you, Tom? How are 
you, Vincent ? ” 

“ We’re ready to fight ’em,” answered the first 


72 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


mate. “ Come on ! They’ve got so much liquor 
aboard they can’t do much to us ! ” 

“ Be careful, I don’t want anybody shot if it can 
be avoided,” responded Captain Ponsberry. 

“ I think it would be a good plan to dump them 
all into the hold,” said Larry. “ Then we could 
nail up that pantry door, put the hatch into place, 
and keep them at our mercy.” 

“ If the plan will work, it’s a good one,” answered 
the captain. 

One after another they came out on deck, leaving 
Wilbur and Groot in the hold. They found the 
mutineers equally divided between the galley and the 
forecastle. The only man in charge of the schooner 
was Conroy, who was at the wheel. 

As they advanced upon the forecastle they saw 
Semmel come out, accompanied by Peterson. 

“ There are the ringleaders ! ” cried Captain Pons- 
berry, and rushing up to them he exclaimed : “ Sur- 
render, you rascals ! ” And he aimed his pistol, 
while the others also raised their weapons. 

The Russian and his companion were taken com- 
pletely by surprise, and before they could draw any 
weapons of their own it was too late. Grandon 
tripped one up and fell upon him, and then Vincent 
and Larry tripped up the other. There was a brief 
scuffle, the exchange of several blows which did little 


TURNING THE TABLES 


73 


damage, and in a trice Semmel and Peterson were 
thrown down into the hold bodily, and the ladder 
was hauled up out of their reach. 

“ Put that hatch over the opening,” cried Cap- 
tain Ponsberry to Larry. “ And then go into the 
cabin pantry and nail up that door. Be quick about 
it, or they may get out ! ” 

“ Aye, aye, sir ! ” cried the young second mate, 
and ran off with all speed. The hatch was large and 
heavy, but the excitement lent him strength and he 
dragged it forward and threw it over the hatch- 
way. 

“ Stop dat ! ” roared Semmel, in a drunken voice, 
but Larry paid no attention. His next movement 
was toward the cabin. 

“ Don’t yo’ tech me!” roared Jeff, in alarm. 
“ Oh, it am yo’ ! ” he added, as he recognized Larry. 
“ How am de battle gwine ? ” 

“ We’ve got ’em on the run — four are prisoners in 
the hold,” was Larry’s reply. “ Get me that box of 
nails, Jeff — I must put that door back as it was ! ” 

“ Yes, sah; yes, sah ! ” answered the cook, eagerly, 
and brought forth the nails in question. Then he 
helped to put the door into place, and held it while 
Larry nailed the barrier. The job was just com- 
pleted when the young second mate heard voices 
from the hold. 


74 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Hi, dare, you let us out,” came from Peterson. 
“ Ve vill mak it right, yes ! ” 

“ You keep quiet,” ordered Larry, and would say 
no more. Against the door he and Jeff placed sev- 
eral trunks and boxes taken from the staterooms 
opening off of the cabin. 

During this time the party led by Captain Pons- 
berry had attacked the balance of the mutineers. 
There was a brief fight and Shamhaven got a cutlass 
cut on the knee. But then the men surrendered, 
and one after another was made to drop down into 
the hold, and the hatch was shut and battened down. 

The only man who was not thus made a prisoner 
was Conroy, who begged at once to be forgiven. 

“ They got me to drink, captain,” he pleaded. 
“ I didn’t know what I was doing. Forgive it, and 
I’ll be the best man you ever had on board.” 

“ Can I depend upon you, Conroy ? ” asked Cap- 
tain Ponsberry, sternly. 

“ You can, sir — I give you my word on it.” 

" You won’t try to help the mutineers? ” 

“ No, sir; no, sir! ” 

“ Very well then, I’ll try you. But, remember, 
if you try any dirty work it will go hard with you. 
Now tell me, was Wilbur in favor of this mutiny? ” 

“ No, sir, he was not. Semmel forced him into 

it.” 


TURNING THE TABLES 75 

“ What of the others. Who were the ring- 
leaders ? ” 

“ Semmel and Peterson and Shamhaven. The 
others didn’t want to do anything but complain about 
the grub,” answered Conroy, and then told the par- 
ticulars of the mutiny from beginning to end. 


CHAPTER IX 


CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 

It was decided to leave the mutineers in the hold 
undisturbed until morning. This done, those who 
had been hurt in the scrimmage had their wounds at- 
tended to, and then Jeff was set to work to prepare 
a good meal for all the loyal party. The galley 
was in a state of disorder, but this counted for 
nothing, and Jeff soon had matters straightened 
out. 

After so much excitement nobody thought of re- 
tiring. Luke was stationed over the fore hatch, to 
give warning of any attempt on the part of the 
mutineers to regain their liberty. He was armed 
and he threatened to “ blow the hull head off ” of 
anybody who dared to show himself or make a noise. 
As a consequence the mutineers did nothing. Two 
made their way to the nailed-up door, but finding 
they could not open it, gave up the attempt as a bad 
job. 

As a punishment for his misdeeds Conroy was 
kept at the wheel during the whole of the night. He 
76 


CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 


77 


was willing enough to do the extra work if only the 
captain would forgive him for his actions. The 
master of the ship questioned him closely, and in the 
end reached the conclusion that only Semmel, Peter- 
son, and Shamhaven were the leaders in the attempt 
to seize the ship and that the others had followed 
after them like so many sheep. 

“ I am glad to hear this,” he said to Grandon and 
Larry. “ I think after I read them a strong lecture 
they’ll behave themselves.” 

“ But we shall have to watch ’em closely,” said 
the first mate. 

“ What will you do with Semmel, Peterson, and 
Shamhaven ? ” asked Larry. 

“ Put them in irons and keep them there until the 
end of the trip. When we reach Nagasaki they can 
take their choice of leaving or of being kicked off the 
ship. If they raise a row I’ll hand them over to 
the authorities.” 

“ You ought to have them locked up.” 

“ True, lad; but with this war on hand the courts 
won’t want to bother with such a case.” 

It was not until nine o’clock in the morning that 
Captain Ponsberry had the forward hatch raised 
once more. Those below were almost dying for 
fresh air and water. 

“ I want Wilbur to come up,” he said. 


?8 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ Can’t we have some water ? ” demanded Sham- 
haven. 

“ Yes, if you’ll behave yourselves,” was the short 
answer. 

There was a babble of voices, but the master of 
the ship paid no attention. Each man who had been 
thrown below was unarmed, so there was no danger 
of any shooting. Presently Wilbur came up the 
rope ladder thrown to him, looking sheepish 
enough. 

“ What have you to say for yourself ? ” demanded 
the captain, when Wilbur threw himself on his 
knees. 

“ Don’t count it against me, cap’ ! ” he groaned. 
“ I didn’t want to go into it, I tell you ! I didn’t 
want to go in ! ” 

“ If I forgive you, will you give me your word 
to behave yourself ? ” 

“ Yes, sir!” 

“ You won’t do any more underhanded 
work? ” 

“ You can shoot me if I do, captain.” 

“ Very well; I’ll remember that. Now go for- 
ward and help put the ship in good order. Larry, 
set him to work, and see that he does just what you 
tell him.” And Wilbur went off, with the young 
second mate following, thanking his stars that he 


CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 


79 


had not been swung to the yardarm, for mutiny on 
the high seas is a capital offense. 

One by one the mutineers were allowed to come 
on deck, until only Semmel, Peterson, and Sham- 
haven remained below. Those to come up pleaded 
to be forgiven and promised to obey orders in the 
future and let the captain run the ship to suit him- 
self. 

During the night, Groot had had a bitter quarrel 
with Semmel, and the Russian appeared presently 
with a black eye and two of his front teeth loose. 
He was promptly put in irons, and the handcuffing 
of Peterson and Shamhaven followed. 

“ I have allowed the other men their liberty be- 
cause you three led them into this affair,” said 
Captain Ponsberry to the trio of rascals. “ I 
intend to keep you in irons until the end of the 
trip.” 

At this there was a loud complaint, and the three 
made all manner of protestations, but the master of 
the Columbia was obdurate, and at last threatened 
to throw them into the hold again. This quieted 
them for the time being, and after being given a 
square meal and a drink of water, they were marched 
off to the brig, which was cleaned of everything else 
for their accommodation. 

Fortunately for the Columbia the weather re- 


8o 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


mained fair, so that the loss of the prisoners was 
not felt when it came to handling the schooner. 
Those who had mutinied were only too glad to get 
back into Captain Ponsberry’s good graces and they 
did whatever was required with an alacrity which 
was as astonishing as it was gratifying. They ate 
whatever was set before them, and soon reached 
the conclusion that the food was really better than 
they deserved. 

“ We were fools to follow Semmel,” said Wilbur; 
and Conroy and some others fully agreed with him. 

But though it now looked as if the men could be 
trusted, Captain Ponsberry determined to keep his 
eyes on them. Vincent was placed at the head of 
one watch and Luke at the head of the other, so 
that, with one or the other of the mates, the deck 
was always guarded by at least two persons that 
could be depended upon. 

The captain had hoped for favorable breezes fol- 
lowing the heavy storm, but these did not come, 
and day after day passed with the old Columbia 
making slow progress toward Nagasaki. Formosa 
was passed during a bit of thick weather, so that 
nothing was seen of that island. Then the sun came 
out again, hotter than ever, so that Larry was glad 
to keep in the shade as much as possible. 

“ IPs not so exciting as it was a few days ago,” 


CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 


8l 


remarked Luke to Larry one day, when both were 
seated in the shade of the forecastle. 

“ I am glad that mutiny is at an end/’ answered 
Larry. “ It’s a great wonder that somebody* wasn’t 
killed or seriously wounded.” 

“ The men didn’t have their hearts in the rumpus, 
thet’s why,. Larry. If they had really meant busi- 
ness — well, I reckon some on us wouldn’t be here 
now to tell the tale.” 

“ I think Semmel meant business.” 

“ Yes, he’s a heap sight worse nor any o’ the 
others.” 

“ It was a mistake to take him on board. I tell 
you, a captain can’t be too careful who he puts in his 
forecastle.” 

“ Well, you know the reason — those other hands 
gettin’ sick at Manila. But I can tell you, I’d 
rather have a crew of Americans any day.” 

“ They are hard to get.” 

“ True fer you.” The old Yankee tar heaved a 
sigh. “ The old days are gone, sure enough. My ! 
my ! what times we used to have, when we’d go out, 
every man a-knowin’ every other man on the ship, 
an’ all about him, too! Then it was like a big 
family settin’ sail. Now, if you go on a new ship 
ye don’t know nobody an’ nobody knows nobody 
else.” 


82 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ I guess you expect to live and die a sailor, don't 
you, Luke ? ” 

“ Don’t know but what I do, unless somebody 
leaves me money enough to live like a millionaire,” 
and the old tar grinned. 

Day after day passed and the Columbia kept on 
her course, making as straight a passage for Naga- 
saki as possible. One day there would be a fair 
breeze and the next a dead calm. 

“ This is unusual weather for this quarter of the 
globe,” said Captain Ponsberry to Larry. “ Like 
as not it will end in another hurricane.” 

“ In that case what will you do, release Semmel 
and the others ? ” 

“ I may release Peterson and Shamhaven, but not 
Semmel, for he was the real ringleader.” 

There were strong signs of a storm in the air that 
night, but they brought forth nothing, and on the 
following morning the sun came up as full and bright 
as before. The breeze came by fits and starts, from 
first one direction and then another, and the man 
at the wheel had all he could do to keep the 
schooner to her course. Sails were shifted half 
a dozen times, but without making any improve- 
ment. 

“ The weather is certainly queer,” said Grandon. 
“ Puts me in mind of the time I was caught in a 


CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 83 

tidal wave in the South Seas. Before the wave 
struck us we had just such cuttings-up.” 

“ I trust we don’t strike a tidal wave,” answered 
Larry. “ If it was high enough it might swamp 
us.” 

“ True; but when you’re on the deep blue sea, 
lad, you’ve got to take whatever comes,” replied 
the first mate, solemnly. 

Dinner was a quiet affair for all on board, and 
shortly after the repast Larry went to the forward 
deck, to have another chat with Luke. While the 
two were talking they were joined by Captain Pons- 
berry ; and soon the three were conversing about old 
times once more. 

“ Do you remember the swim we once took in the 
Pacific ? ” said Larry to Luke. “ The time the saw- 
fish smashed the boat and came after us ? ” 

“ Reckon I do,” was the Yankee tar’s response. 
“ We had a lively swim fer it, didn’t we? ” 

“ And the time we visited the island and you 
turned the turtles ? ” went on Larry. “ And do you 
remember that snake that chased us into the water ? ” 

“ I do, Larry. Tell you what, we’ve had our 

share of adventures. When Admiral Dewey 

What is it, captain ? ” 

Luke broke off short and looked at Captain Pons- 
berry inquiringly. The master of the Columbia was 


84 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


gazing over the port bow in an earnest, puzzled 
fashion. 

“ Do you see that little black cloud, Striker ? ” 

“ I do, sir ! ” And now Luke became all atten- 
tion and so did Larry. “ Kind o’ funny lookin’, 
ain’t it?” 

“ It is odd,” answered the captain. “ Do you 
see how it seems to be dancing around in the sky ? ” 

“ Is it a cloud?” questioned Larry. “ If so, I 
never saw its like before.” 

“ I’ll take a look at it through my glass,” went on 
the captain, and sent a sailor for the article. 

The cloud came swiftly closer and they heard a 
most unusual roaring and hissing. Then of a sud- 
den the cloud seemed to dip down into the sea. 
When it came up, the waters of the ocean followed, 
and there loomed up before those on the ship a 
waterspout ten or fifteen feet thick. 

“ A waterspout ! ” cried half a dozen in concert. 

“ And a mighty powerful one, too,” said the cap- 
tain. “ I trust it don’t come this way.” 

“ It is coming this way ! ” yelled Larry. “ Look ! 
look!” 

The young second mate was right, the waterspout 
appeared to be headed directly for the schooner. 
But then it shot off to the westward, churning the 
water into a foam behind it. 



“It is coming- this way ! ” yelled Larry. — Page 84. 






























CLOSE TO A WATERSPOUT 


85 


“ It's going away/’ murmured Luke, when once 
more the waterspout made a curve and then shot 
directly toward them. It was off the port bow and 
less than a hundred feet away. It looked as if the 
old Columbia was surely doomed! 


CHAPTER X 


SOMETHING ABOUT WAR AND FIGHTING SHIPS 

“ It’s going to strike the ship ! ” 

“ It will cut us to pieces ! ” 

“ Throw the schooner over on the other tack ! ” 

These and several other cries rang out on the 
deck of the Columbia. All felt their hearts come 
up into their throats as the roaring, swirling mass 
of water came closer and closer, until the spray 
drenched them completely. The ocean was churned 
into a white foam and the wind seemed to suck and 
blow in all directions at once. 

But, just as it looked as if the schooner would be 
buried beneath a veritable mountain of water, the 
waterspout took another curve and slid away, along 
the side of the ship and off the stern. The man at 
the wheel came close to being carried overboard by 
the deluge he received and the Columbia bobbed 
up and down like a cork. But in another mo- 
ment the waterspout was an eighth of a mile 
distant. 

“*What a — a narrow escape,” faltered Larry, 
86 


SOMETHING ABOUT WAR 87 

when he felt able to speak. “ I thought we were 
bound for the bottom sure ! ” 

“ Thet’s the closest I ever was to any water- 
spout/’ came from Luke, as he wiped his wet brow. 
“ Reckon we can thank Providence we ain’t in Davy 
Jones’ locker this minit! ” 

Captain Ponsberry did not say much, but kept his 
eyes fixed on the waterspout, which was making fan- 
tastic curves across the bosom of the Pacific. At 
times it was close by and then it would go half a 
mile or more away. It was a fascinating scene, full 
of dread, and gave more than one onlooker a chill 
down his backbone. 

“ I wish it would go away completely,” went on 
Larry. 

But this was not to be. The waterspout kept 
within sight for a good half-hour, although it did 
not come near them again. At last it grew less and 
less, off to the southwestward, and finally vanished 
altogether. The glass was used in that direction, 
but nothing save a clear horizon could be located. 

“ We are clear of it at last,” said Captain Pons- 
berry, and breathed a long sigh of relief. 

“ Waterspouts are mighty dangerous things,” 
said Grandon, after the scare was over. “ When I 
was on board of the brig Ben Franklin we ran into 
a spout off the coast of Brazil, and it knocked off 


88 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


the bow and the forward rail and nearly sank 
us. ,, 

“ I met one once, off the coast of Cuba/’ said the 
captain. “ That went ashore and tore up the trees 
like so many weeds for a hundred feet around. A 
waterspout is nothing to be fooled with, I can tell 
you.” 

On the day following the appearance of the water- 
spout the weather changed. There was a slight 
storm and then a stiff breeze sprang up which was 
cheering to all on board. Every stitch of canvas 
on the Columbia was spread and the schooner bowled 
along right merrily. 

“ Fd like to know how this war is going on, and 
how Ben and Gilbert are faring,” said Larry to 
Captain Ponsberry. “ A whole lot may have hap- 
pened since we left Manila.” 

“ Well, you’ll probably get word from your 
brother when you reach Nagasaki, lad; and we’ll 
get word from Captain Pennington, too.” 

“ I hope neither of them has been wounded.” 

“ So do I ; but when one goes to the front he has 
got to put up with the fortunes of war. Being a 
soldier of fortune, as it is called, is no baby busi- 
ness.” 

“ Do you suppose the Japs are continuing to 
bombard Port Arthur ? ” 


SOMETHING ABOUT WAR 


89 


“ More than likely — if the place hasn’t fallen into 
their hands. They want to make sure of their foot- 
ing in lower Manchuria, and they can never do that 
so long as the Russians hold a single seaport down 
there.” 

“ I suppose Russia has a pretty good-sized navy 
as well as an army ? ” 

“ Yes, Larry, one of the largest navies in the 
world. But their fighting ships are no better than 
the ships of Japan. You see, the Japanese navy is 
not near as old as the navy of Russia. Almost all 
of the ships are of the up-to-date types. Most of 
them have been built since the war between Japan 
and China in 1894 and 1895.” 

“ That would make them only about ten years 
old.” 

“ Exactly, and I’ve been told that some of the 
ships in the Russian navy are twenty and thirty 
years old. More than this, all of the Japanese guns 
are of the latest pattern — just as they are on our 
new warships.” 

“ I’d like to go aboard of a Japanese war- 
ship,” cried the young second mate, enthusiasti- 
cally. 

“ Want to see if it’s as good as it was aboard of 
the Olympia, eh ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. Of course the Olympia was old, espe- 


go 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


dally alongside of the Brooklyn , on which my 
brother Walter served in Cuban waters, but even 
so she was a bang-up fighting machine. If she 
hadn’t been she wouldn’t have done her share in 
sinking that Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.” 

“ Well, you may have a chance to go aboard of a 
Japanese ship while we stop at Nagasaki. There 
must be a number of them at that port, coaling up 
and taking war supplies aboard.” 

“ How long do you think it will be before we 
reach that port ? ” 

“ That will depend entirely upon the wind, as you 
know. If we get just what we need we may reach 
there inside of four or five days,” answered Cap- 
tain Ponsberry. 

As Peterson and Shamhaven were now behaving 
themselves they were allowed to come out of the 
brig and do some work on the deck every morning 
and afternoon. Both begged the captain to forgive 
them, but the master of the Columbia would promise 
nothing. 

“ You went into this with your eyes wide open,” 
he said. “Now you can line up and take your 
medicine.” 

Semmel was exceedingly bitter at not being al- 
lowed his liberty for at least a few hours a day and 
said he would denounce the captain at the first op- 


SOMETHING ABOUT WAR 


91 


portunity. But Captain Ponsberry soon cut him 
short. 

“ You keep a civil tongue in your head, ,, he said, 
sternly. “ Unless you do, I’ll put you down on 
hard-tack and water.” And thereupon Semmel be- 
came sullenly silent. 

Towards evening of the day upon which Larry 
had the conversation about warships with Captain 
Ponsberry a Chinese junk, heavily laden with grass- 
covered boxes, was passed. Nobody on board could 
speak English, so the hail that was sent over the 
water brought no results. 

“We are getting closer to the coast shipping,” 
said the master of the Columbia. “ I suppose we’ll 
meet quite a few vessels from now on.” 

During the night an unexpected gale came up 
and the schooner was blown far out of her course. 
The gale came from the westward, so the vessel was 
blown to the east. 

“ This will make the trip a day or two longer,” 
grumbled Grandon, after the gale had spent itself. 

“ Yes, but as we didn’t lose a spar or a rag of 
canvas we can be thankful that it is no worse,” re- 
sponded Larry, who was always ready to look on 
the bright side. 

The gale subsided after a blow of twenty-four 
hours and then the bow of the Columbia was once 


92 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


more set towards her destination. Only a few knots 
had been covered when the lookout reported a ves- 
sel in sight. 

“ It’s a steamer ! ” cried Larry, for the smoke 
from the craft’s funnels was plainly to be seen. 

“ Maybe she’s a warship,” returned Tom Gran- 
don, who was beside him. “ If so, I hope she’s a 
Japanese.” 

The steamer was coming along at a good rate of 
speed and soon they made her out to be a British 
vessel. She was a “ tramp,” that is, a vessel go- 
ing from port to port, picking up whatever cargo 
can be found. 

“ Ahoy, there ! ” cried Captain Ponsberry, as the 
tramp slowed up. “ What ship is that?” 

“ The Lord Duffield,” was the answer. “ What 
ship is that? ” 

“ The Columbia.” 

“ Where are you bound ? ” 

“ For Nagasaki. And you? ” 

“ For Hong-Kong.” 

A little more talk followed, and the captain of the 
Lord Duffield vouchsafed the information that he 
had sighted a Russian warship the day before. 

“ A warship ! ” murmured Larry. 

“ Which way was she bound? ” asked Captain 
Ponsberry, anxiously. 


SOMETHING ABOUT WAR 


93 


“ I can’t tell you. She stopped us and asked a 
few questions and then slipped away in the dark- 
ness.” 

“ What warship was she? ” 

“ The Pocastra , from Vladivostok. I think she 
used to be in the merchant service and was built 
over for the navy.” 

The captain of the British steamer could give no 
further information, and so resumed his course, and 
the master of the Columbia did likewise. 

“ Ain’t very nice news, is it? ” said Tom Grandon. 

“ It’s very unpleasant news,” returned Captain 
Ponsberry, with a shrug of his shoulders. 

“ What are you going to do about it? ” 

“ What can we do, Tom? Trust to luck that we 
get into Nagasaki harbor, or some other port, in 
safety.” 

“ We’ll have to keep a sharp lookout for any- 
thing that looks like a warship, unless, of course, 
she flies a Japanese flag.” 

Word was passed around to those who could be 
trusted, and all day long one of the mates and a 
foremast hand were kept on the lookout, taking turns 
at looking through the best glass the schooner pos- 
sessed. 

“ This is almost as exciting as being in a war,” 
said Larry, when he was on duty with Luke. 


94 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Don’t you know how we looked for the Spanish 
ships?” 

“Yes, lad; but if we sight a Russian warship it 
will be small fighting we’ll do, to my way of think- 
ing.” 

“ Oh, we won’t be able to fight at all. We’ll 
simply have to rely on our wits to keep us out of be- 
ing gobbled up as a prize of war,” responded the 
young second mate. 


CHAPTER XI 


AN ORDER TO LAY-TO 

When taking on his cargo at Manila, Captain 
Ponsberry had considered the possibility of being 
captured by a Russian warship, and had talked the 
matter over with the agents of the Richmond Im- 
porting Company and with a Japanese official who 
was doing business on the sly in the Philippines. 

The Japanese Government was willing to pay for 
the cargo, whether it was delivered or not — pre- 
suming it was “ gobbled up ” by the Russians, but 
was not willing to pay for the ship if the vessel was 
taken as a prize of war. 

“ That is a risk you must take yourself,” said the 
Japanese official. “ We are willing to pay a high 
price for the cargo — we cannot do more.” And 
so the risk — so far as the schooner went — was di- 
vided equally between the Richmond Importing 
Company and Captain Ponsberry and the other own- 
ers of the Columbia. 

As nearly the captain’s whole wealth was tied up 
in his share of the schooner, he was naturally anx- 
95 


g 6 at the fall of port Arthur 

ious to make a safe trip, and he often came on deck 
to aid the lookouts in watching for the possible ap- 
pearance of an enemy. 

“ If you see the least thing that looks suspicious, 
tell me at once,” was his order, and it was strictly 
obeyed. As a consequence they ran away from two 
steamers that afternoon and another steamer the 
next morning — all too far off to show exactly what 
they were. 

“ This isn’t bringing us much nearer to port,” 
said Larry to Cal Vincent, who was using the glass 
at the time. “ I don’t believe we have made a 
dozen knots since yesterday.” 

“ Well, the old man is a bit nervous,” responded 
the boatswain, in a low voice. “ And I don’t blame 
him. It’s no small matter to lose your craft and be 
thrown into prison in the bargain.” 

“ Would they dare to throw us into prison ? ” 

“ To be sure, — if they could prove that we were 
aiding the Japs.” 

“ Well, they’ll have hard work proving that.” 

An hour went by and it began to grow misty. 
Then came a call from the bow. 

“ Sail iri sight!” 

“ What is it ? ” demanded the captain instantly. 

“ A big steamer o’ some sort.” 

Captain Ponsberry ran forward and took the glass. 


AN ORDER TO LAY-TO 97 

For fully two minutes he did not speak and then he 
drew a long breath and put down the glass. 

“ I’m afraid she’s a warship,” he exclaimed, and 
his voice sounded unnatural. 

“ A warship ! ” echoed Larry. “ Will you let me 
look?” 

He did so, and it was not long before he could 
make out the approaching craft quite clearly. 

“Well?” demanded Grandon, who knew that 
Larry’s eyes were unusually strong. 

“ I reckon the captain is right.” 

“A warship?” 

“ Yes, not a very large affair, but still a warship. 
I shouldn’t be surprised if ^he was the converted 
vessel the Lord Daffield sighted.” 

“ Just what I think,” put in Captain Ponsberry. 
“ We’ve got to do our best to show her a clean pair 
of heels.” 

“ The mist may help us to run away,” suggested 
Grandon. 

“ Let us hope so.” 

Necessary orders were given, and soon the Co- 
lumbia swung around on another tack, so that she 
had the large vessel on her starboard quarter. But 
this movement was evidently noted by the stranger, 
and the latter headed directly for the schooner once 


more. 


98 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ She is after us, that is positive,” said Captain 
Ponsberry. 

“ There is a bank of mist over to the northward,” 
returned Larry. “ Why not run into that?” 

“ Well spoken, lad; we’ll do it, and as soon as the 
mist hides us we can go over on the other tack and 
throw her off the scent.” 

The mist the young second mate had mentioned 
was nearly a quarter of a mile away and it was a 
question whether they could reach it before the 
stranger came up. But fortune favored those on 
the schooner. The mist rolled toward them, and in 
less than two minutes they were hidden as com- 
pletely as could be desired. 

“ Now to get entirely out of the way,” exclaimed 
Captain Ponsberry, and lost not a moment in having 
the sails shifted and a new course set. Through 
the mist they heard the other vessel steaming around 
noisily and did their best to keep as far away as pos- 
sible from the sound. 

All during that evening and the night to follow 
the Columbia kept to her new course. This was 
taking her away from Nagasaki, but this could not 
he helped. The captain said if it became absolutely 
necessary he would run into some other Japanese 
port. 

When daybreak came the mist was as thick as 


AN ORDER TO LAY-TO 


99 


ever. But there were signs that it would not last 
much longer, and by nine o’clock the sun was strug- 
gling to come through the clouds. Nearly every- 
body was on deck, for they realized that a fatal 
moment might be at hand. 

“ There she is ! ” 

The cry came from half a dozen throats simultane- 
ously. There, on the port bow, loomed up the 
stranger, not an eighth of a mile away. That she 
was a warship there was no longer any doubt, for 
her forward guns were plainly to be seen. 

“ We’re caught now ! ” muttered Tom Grandon. 

“ Not yet ! ” cried the captain, and gave orders to 
throw the Columbia over on a new course. But 
scarcely had this movement been made when there 
was a puff of smoke from the warship, a report, and 
a shot flew in front of the schooner’s bow. 

“ There’s our order to lay-to! ” ejaculated Larry. 
“ Whoever she is, she means business.” 

As the Columbia did not stop, another shot was 
fired, this time just grazing the bow. Seeing there 
was no help for it, Captain Ponsberry gave the 
necessary orders, and down came one sail after 
another. 

As this was done the warship swung around and 
then those on the schooner saw that she flew the 
flag of Russia. 


100 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“A Russian warship!” ejaculated half a dozen. 

“This looks to me as if the jig was up,” mur- 
mured Tom Grandon. 

As quickly as it could be done, Captain Pons- 
berry assembled his men on deck. 

“ Men,” he said, briefly, “ the officers on board 
of that warship wish to find out what they can about 
us. If you are asked questions say nothing more 
than that you shipped for the voyage to Nagasaki 
and San Francisco, and that you know nothing about 
the cargo. Do you understand ? ” 

“ Aye, aye, sir,” came from those who were 
listening. 

“ I must depend upon you to help save the ship. 
If the Columbia is suspected of being in the employ 
of the Japanese Government, or of carrying a cargo 
for that nation, she will be taken as a prize of war 
and we’ll go to a Russian prison most likely.” 

“ I don’t want to go to no Russian prison ! ” 
cried out Wilbur, his face turning pale. “ I ain’t 
done nothing wrong ! ” 

“ Then keep your tongue from wagging too much, 
Wilbur,” answered the master of the schooner, 
grimly. 

“ There ain’t no use o’ fighting, is there? ” asked 
Groot. 

“ Fighting? ” came from Tom Grandon. “ What 


AN ORDER TO LAY-TO 


IOI 


could the old Columbia do against a man-o’-war? 
Why, they’d blow us sky high in no time ! ” 

“ No, there is absolutely no use of attempting to 
fight,” answered Captain Ponsberry. “ Our only 
hope lays in convincing them that they have no right 
to stop us.” 

The hands were dismissed and sent forward, and 
Captain Ponsberry hurried below, to burn certain 
papers and secrete others. This was in accordance 
with the orders received from the agents of the 
Richmond Importing Company at Manila. 

In the meantime the Russian warship had come 
to a stop in mid-ocean and now a small boat was 
lowered, containing a small crew, a coxswain, and a 
Russian naval officer. At the same time a signal 
was hoisted which meant that the officer was coming 
on board of the schooner. 

“ Unless I miss my guess, this looks rather black 
for us,” said Larry, to Tom Grandon. 

“ I agree with you, Larry,” responded the first 
mate. “ But we’ve got to take our medicine, no 
matter how bitter it is.” 

“ If only that mist had held on to-day ! We 
might have slipped by that warship nicely.” 

“ I only hope the old man fixes up his papers so 
that he can show a clean bill of health,” went on 
Grandon. “ You see, if they can’t actually prove 


102 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


something against us, they won’t dare to touch us. 
They know what Old Glory means, and Russia has 
no desire just now to get into trouble with Uncle 
Sam.” 

“ The worst of it is, our cargo may look too sus- 
picious to them. Under ordinary circumstances 
they know that the Columbia wouldn’t be carrying 
such a line of goods in these waters.” 

“ That’s true, too.” 

“ Besides that, they may have had an agent at 
Nagasaki and at Manila spying on us. They may 
know just what is being done. The Czar’s follow- 
ers are mighty slick, I can tell you.” 

Captain Ponsberry now came on deck and gave 
quick orders that the sailors should be lined up, to 
receive the visitor in a befitting manner. 

“ A little goose grease may help,” he drawled, 
with a knowing glance at Grandon and Larry. 

The foremast hands did not know much about 
lining up, but took the places assigned to them, on 
the forward deck. Over the side a rope ladder was 
thrown, and then Captain Ponsberry, Tom Grandon, 
and Larry awaited the arrival of the Russian naval 
officer with keen interest. 


CHAPTER XII 


TAKEN AS A PRIZE OF WAR 

Slowly but surely the small boat came closer to 
the schooner. She rode the long swells of the Pa- 
cific with full grace, and Larry could not help but 
admire the long, sturdy strokes of the jackies, as 
they bent to their task. 

“ I don’t know but that they can handle a small 
boat as well as our own jackies,” said Larry. 

“ Why shouldn’t they ? Russian naval training 
ought to be first-class,” answered Tom Grandon. 
“ They have been at it longer than Uncle Sam.” 

“ True, but that doesn’t always count. Spain had 
been at it longer than we had, too, but when it came 
to war we beat her in double-quick order.” 

As the small boat came closer they saw that the 
jackies were mostly men of middle age. But the 
coxswain was younger and so was the naval officer, 
who was gazing rather anxiously toward the 
schooner, as if wondering what the result of his mis- 
sion would be. 

“ Wonder if that chap can talk English ? ” queried 
103 


104 at THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

the first mate. “ If he can’t the old man will be up 
a tree, for none of us can talk Russian.” 

“ I reckon Peterson and Semmel can talk it,” an- 
swered Larry. “ But we don’t want either of those 
rascals to open his mouth.” 

At last the small boat came up alongside of the 
Columbia. It was no easy matter to catch the rope 
ladder without getting bumped, but it was success- 
fully accomplished, and then the Russian officer lost 
no time in coming on board. He at once saluted, 
and Captain Ponsberry and his mates did the same, 
and the sailors in the background did likewise. 

“What ship is this?” asked the Russian naval 
officer, after a few necessary formalities were at an 
end. 

“ The American schooner Columbia ” answered 
Captain Ponsberry. 

“ Would you mind telling me for what port you 
are bound ? ” went on the naval officer, who could 
speak fairly good English. 

“We are bound for San Francisco, with a stop- 
over at Nagasaki.” 

“ Ah ! What sort of a cargo are you carrying to 
Nagasaki ? ” 

“ One belonging to the firm for which the Co- 
lumbia is in commission.” 


“ The name of the firm, please? ” 



The Russian officer lost no time in coming on board. 

Page 104. 




TAKEN AS A PRIZE OF WAR 


105 


“ The Richmond Importing Company.” 

“ Ah ! ” said the naval officer again, and looked 
slightly displeased. As it happened he had a brother 
in the army at Port Arthur, and had heard of the 
doings of Gilbert Pennington at that place, and of 
how the young American had accused certain Rus- 
sians of trying to cheat the company he represented. 

“ What warship do you come from ? ” demanded 
Captain Ponsberry, feeling that he had an equal 
right to ask questions. 

“ The auxiliary cruiser, Pocastra, of the Russian 
navy,” answered the naval officer, politely. 

“ And where are you bound ? ” went on Captain 
Ponsberry, bluntly. 

“ That, sir, is a question only our commander, 
Captain T.itorsky, can answer.” 

“ It’s queer you are steaming around in Japanese 
waters.” 

“ Perhaps so.” The Russian naval officer smiled 
in a knowing way. “ Captain Ponsberry, I am 
sorry, but I think I shall have to inspect your 
papers.” 

Captain Ponsberry drew himself up, resolved to 
put on as bold a front as possible. 

“ This is an American ship, sir.” 

“ Granted, but I have my orders,” returned the 
naval officer, coldly. 


io6 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ If I refuse to let you inspect the papers ? ” 

The young Russian officer shrugged his shoulders. 

“ We shall be under the painful necessity of com- 
pelling you to show them.” 

“ You threaten me — an American captain ! ” 

“ There is no help for it — I am simply obeying 
orders. We inspect all ships that we find in this 
vicinity. ,, 

“ Do you know I can make you pay dearly for 
this outrage? ” 

“ You cannot call it an outrage. You are in 
Japanese waters, Japan and Russia are at war. 
You knew that before you came into these waters. 
Am I to see the papers or not ? ” 

The commander of the Columbia knew that the 
Russian naval officer spoke the truth. Yet he made 
one more effort. 

“ Very well; I will show my papers, but I shall 
insist upon you signing a paper that your ship held 
us up.” 

“ You can send the paper to my ship for such a 
signature from my captain,” said the Russian, eva- 
sively. 

By this time four of the jackies of the small boat 
had come on board. All were armed and they lined 
up at the rail, close to the rope ladder. They were 
good-natured sailors and grinned broadly at the 


TAKEN AS A PRIZE OF WAR 


107 


hands on the Columbia. Not one could speak a 
word of English, so conversation with them was im- 
possible. 

Captain Ponsberry led the way to the cabin of 
the Columbia and the young Russian officer fol- 
lowed. Getting out such papers as had been pre- 
pared for the occasion, the master of the schooner 
passed them over. 

“ These are correct so far as they go/’ said the 
Russian, after an examination lasting ten minutes 

had been made. “ But ” he paused. “ You 

have no further papers ? ” 

“ Those are my papers, sir,” answered Captain 
Ponsberry, briefly. 

“ Then I will look at a specified list of your 
cargo.” 

“ I haven't such a list,” was the answer, which 
was true, as the list had been burnt up just a short 
while before. 

At this statement the young Russian frowned. 
“ Every ship carries such a list.” 

“ Still, I haven’t any.” 

“ In that case, I shall have to order an inspection 
of the cargo.” 

“ Sir, you are going too far ! ” said Captain Pons- 
berry, sternly, yet he knew he had no right to ex- 
pect anything else. 


io8 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ If I am going too far, I am able to take the con- 
sequences, ” returned the Russian, who was acting 
strictly under orders. 

“ Very well, sir; you can look the cargo over,” 
answered Captain Ponsberry. “ But I shall hold 
Russia accountable for the outrage.” 

The Russian naval officer bowed and hastened up 
to the deck. He spoke in his native tongue to one 
of the jackies who carried several small flags under 
his arm. At once the jackie began to wig-wag to 
the warship for further instructions. 

“ Search the ship,” came back the order, and in 
a few minutes more another small boat left the side 
of the Pocastra, containing an officer and a crew of 
eight. 

“ We are in for it now, that is certain,” observed 
Larry. “ They are not going to let us go until they 
are sure we are O. K.” 

The second boat was soon alongside of the 
schooner, and the officer in charge and four men 
came up on the deck and joined the other Russians 
already there. An earnest conversation was held 
between the two officers. 

“ We’ll take a general look at the cargo,” said the 
one who had just arrived. “ It will not do to go too 
far — in case we find everything as it should be. We 
want no trouble with the Yankee government.” 


TAKEN AS A PRIZE OF WAR 


IO9 


Captain Ponsberry was asked to have the mizzen 
hatch opened, and this work was done by Luke 
Striker and several others. Then two of the Rus- 
sian sailors were sent below, and one of the officers 
went along. 

In the meantime, Peterson, unknown to anybody 
on board, had slipped off to the brig. Here he 
found Ostag Semmel in solitary confinement. 

“ Semmel, a Russian warship is close at hand,” 
he said, hurriedly. “ An officer and some men have 
just boarded us.” 

“ Release me, Peterson ! ” returned the Russian 
sailor. “ Release me and I will show Captain 
Ponsberry what I can do ! ” 

“ You will not get me into trouble?” questioned 
Peterson, anxiously. 

“ No. Quick — I am sure we can make money 
out of this.” 

With an iron bar, Peterson pried off the lock 
which had been put on the door of the brig, and 
drew back the bolt. Then Semmel came out of his 
prison, with his hands linked together. 

As he was making his way to the stern deck Larry 
caught sight of him. 

“ Stop ! ” he called out, in alarm, realizing what 
Semmel might do. “ Stop, Semmel ! ” and he ran 
to capture the rascal. 


no 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Get out da vay ! ” roared the Russian and aimed 
a blow at Larry’s head. But the young second mate 
dodged and then caught the Russian by the legs, 
hurling him flat on his breast. But now Peterson 
came behind and gave Larry a vicious kick in the 
side, which made the youth let go his hold. 

“ What’s the row there?” called out Captain 
Ponsberry, and looked much disturbed to see the 
escaped prisoner. “ Put him back where he came 
from!” 

“ Help ! ” yelled Semmel, in Russian. “ Help, 
in the name of the Czar! I am a Russian subject! 
This ship is in the employ of the Japanese Govern- 
ment ! ” 

“ He speaks the truth ! ” called out Peterson, also 
in Russian. “ Help us and protect us and we will 
prove it ! ” And he ran forward to where the Rus- 
sian officer on deck was standing. 

“ You are Russians?” asked the officer, quickly. 

“ We are.” 

“ Then I shall certainly assist you.” He raised 
his voice. “ Let that man go ! ” And he pointed 
at Semmel, now surrounded by Larry, Luke, and 
Cal Vincent. 

The latter words were uttered in English, so all 
of our friends understood them. The two sailors 
looked inquiringly at the young second mate. 


TAKEN AS A PRIZE OF WAR 


III 


“ He is nothing but a mutineer,” said Larry. 
“We locked him up for it. He ought to have been 
strung up on the yardarm,” he added, bitterly. 

By this time Captain Ponsberry was on the scene, 
and those who had gone below were summoned on 
deck once more. The captain glared at Semmel, 
who lost no time in shrinking behind the Russian 
officers for protection. 

“ I can prove the cargo on this ship belongs to the 
Japanese Government,” said Ostag Semmel. “ My 
friend can prove it, too,” he added, pointing to 
Peterson. “ It is true we tried to seize the ship — 
to take her to Vladivostok, or some other Russian 
port, as a prize.” 

“ This is assuredly interesting,” said the leading 
Russian officer. “ Tell me your tale in full.” 

Despite Captain Ponsberry’s protests Semmel told 
his story in his own way, and Peterson corroborated 
it in every detail. Then Shamhaven, thinking to 
curry favor, came forward. 

“ They tell the strict truth,” he said. “ I worked 
with them. We did what we could for the benefit 
of the Russian Government. Every bit of cargo on 
this ship belongs to the Japanese Government and 
was to be taken ashore at Nagasaki. The last cargo 
of the Columbia was also sold at Nagasaki to the 
Japanese Government.” 


1 12 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ When was this ? ” 

“ About two months ago.” 

More questions were put to Semmel, Peterson, 
and Shamhaven, and at last the Russian naval offi- 
cer turned grimly to Captain Ponsberry. 

“ I have heard their story, and it will be unneces- 
sary to make an inspection of your cargo, since they 
have told me of what it consists. In the name of 
Russia I claim this ship as a prize of war, and you 
and your crew must consider yourselves prisoners.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


PRISONERS ON THE “ POCASTRA " 

Captain Ponsberry had feared the result ever 
since the unexpected appearance of Ostag Semmel, 
so he was not very much surprised when the Russian 
naval officer stated that he should consider the Co- 
lumbia as a war prize and place those on board under 
arrest as prisoners of war. 

“ This is a high-handed proceeding/' said he, as 
calmly as possible, although his mind was in a 
whirl. 

“ I do not think so," answered the Russian offi- 
cer. “ Do you submit or not? ” 

“ Since it would be useless to fight, we shall have 
to submit," answered the master of the schooner. 
“ But, remember, I shall hold you and the Russian 
Government responsible for all you do." 

“ As you have said that before, there is no use of 
repeating it, Captain Ponsberry. We will take com- 
mand of the vessel at once." 

“What are we going to do? " whispered Larry 
to Tom Grandon. 


1 14 at THE FALL OF 'PORT ARTHUR 

“ I don’t know — follow the old man, I reckon,” 
answered the first mate. 

“ We shall place a prize crew on this ship,” went 
on the Russian officer. “ These men ” — pointing 
to Semmel, Peterson, and Shamhaven — “ can re- 
main on board. The remainder of the crew and the 
officers, will be transferred to the Pocastra. I will 
give you a quarter of an hour in which to attend to 
your luggage. Please take no more along than is 
necessary.” 

“ This is certainly high-handed ! ” cried Larry. 

“ So we’ve got to go over to that old coal box, 
eh ? ” grumbled Luke, when he heard the news. 
“ It’s hard luck, Larry.” 

“ You’re right, Luke, but it can’t be helped.” 

“ What will they do with us? ” 

“ I haven’t the least idea.” 

“ Will they take us to Russia? ” 

“ I suppose so — or stow us away in one of those 
cold and dirty Siberian prisons until we can get 
Uncle Sam to make them release us.” 

When it came time to depart from the Columbia 
Larry was allowed to take only a bundle of clothing 
along, and Grandon and the common sailors were 
treated no better. The captain was allowed a 
trunk and a suit case. In the meantime Sem- 
mel was questioned once more, and what he had 


PRISONERS ON THE “ POCASTRA u 1 15 

to tell made the Russians look darkly at our 
friends. 

“ He is pumping all sorts of falsehoods into them, 
I suppose,” said Larry to Luke, and he was right. 
Semmel made it appear that Captain Ponsberry was 
really an agent of the Japanese Government and 
that he (Semmel) had done his best to gain posses- 
sion of the ship wholly for the benefit of his own 
country. 

“ If you really did this, it is very worthy of you,” 
said one of the officers. “ But we shall have to in- 
vestigate before we accept your story in full.” This 
was not so encouraging, but with it Ostag Semmel 
had to be content. 

Fearing that a Japanese warship might put in an 
appearance at any moment, the Russians lost no time 
in transferring the officers and men of the Columbia 
to the Pocastra and at the same time a prize crew 
of two officers and ten men were taken from the 
warship to the schooner. Then the sails of the Co- 
lumbia were hoisted and off she set to the eastward, 
and the warship moved in the same direction. 

When placed aboard the Pocastra Captain Pons- 
berry was treated politely and given a small room of 
his own. But the mates and the ordinary seamen 
were not so fortunate. Grandon, Larry, and Luke 
Striker were hustled off to a prison pen on one deck 


Il6 at THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

of the auxiliary cruiser, and the others to another 
pen below, which was even worse. 

“ This is certainly hard luck/’ said Larry, as 
he threw his bundle into a corner and sat down on an 
iron bench, while Grandon and Luke did the same. 
“ And after we had almost reached Nagasaki, too ! ” 

“ Well, there ain’t no use to cry over spilt milk,” 
came from Luke. “ We’re prisoners o’ war, an’ 
I reckon as how we have got to make the best o’ it. 
Ain’t the first time we’ve been in sech a fix.” 

“ That is true, Luke, but it doesn’t help the matter 
any. I guess we have seen the last of the old Co- 
lumbia” 

“ I was afraid of this sort of thing happening ever 
since we left Manila,” came from Grandon. “ I 
told the old man to be careful, that ” 

“ Hush ! ” whispered Larry. “ They may be lis- 
tening — to make sure that they have caught the 
right parties.” 

“ True for you, Larry ; I won’t say another word 
about that. But it looks dismal, no two ways on’t,” 
and the first mate drew a mountainous sigh. 

The prison pen into which they had been placed 
was an iron structure, reaching from floor to ceiling, 
and was not over ten feet square. It had a solid 
back and the remaining three sides were built up 
of stout iron bars, only a couple of inches apart. 


PRISONERS ON THE “ POCASTRA ” 117 

There was a door which was doubly locked, the key 
being held by a petty officer who could speak broken 
English and who rejoiced in the simple name of 
Rosen vischpoff. For short Luke nicknamed him 
Rosey and this name stuck to him. 

“ Doesn’t look as if a fellow could break out of 
here very easily,” said Larry, after an inspection of 
their prison. “ This is a regular bank vault.” 

“ Wouldn’t do you any good to break out,” re- 
turned Grandon. “ As we are on the ocean, where 
would you go to? ” 

“ We might hide until the vessel made a landing.” 

“ Humph, and that would be in some Russian 
port, so you’d be just as bad off.” 

“ Well, I’m not trying to escape just now. I 
want to get the lay of the land first, and try to find 
out what they are going to do with us.” 

From Rosenvischpoff they learned that the 
Pocastra was one of a large number of steamers 
of various Russian lines which had been lately 
pressed into the service of the national navy. She 
had been rushed through at one of the Russian navy 
yards and provided with a battery of four small and 
four large guns, none, however, over eight inches. 
She carried a crew of one hundred and eighty men, 
drafted principally from other warships. She had 
an advertised speed of twenty knots an hour but 


Il8 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

rarely made over seventeen or eighteen. She was 
old and her engines were constantly in need of re- 
pair, much to the disgust of Captain Titorsky, her 
commander. 

“ Well, Rosey, how goes this war? ” asked Luke, 
pleasantly, as the petty officer came around to give 
them something to eat. 

“ Big fight all der dime,” answered Rosenvisch- 
poffi “ Russians kill all der Japs — sink all der Jap 
ships, yes ! ” 

“ You’re winning right along, eh? ” 

“ Yes, Russians win — Japs no do noddings, no! ” 
And the petty officer left the food on the bench and 
hurried away again. 

“ Do you believe that? ” asked Larry. 

“ No, I don’t,” came from Grandon. “ He told 
us that simply to scare us, or else he doesn’t know the 
real truth.” 

“ Exactly what I think.” 

“ These Russians are a lot of blowers,” growled 
Luke. “ Just look at Semmel. He was forever 
tooting his horn, and yet he couldn’t do much of 
anything.” 

“ He got us into trouble,” said Larry, quickly. 

“ That’s true, but he had to have this warship 
with all on board to help him.” 

The food which had been brought to them con- 


PRISONERS ON THE “ POCASTRA ” 1 19 

sisted of a big bowl of stew, with three spoons, and 
three chunks of black bread. 

“ They are going to treat us to the best,” said 
Grandon, sarcastically. He lifted one of the spoons 
and tasted the stew. “ Phew, it's hot enough ! 
Pepper, garlic, and hot water ! ” 

“ Does beat all how these fureigners do love their 
garlic,” grumbled Luke. “ ’Twas the same way 
with them Spaniards in the Philippines.” 

“ Garlic and grease,” added Larry. “ And this 
bread is hard enough to build a wall with,” he con- 
tinued. “ However, we have got to eat or go 
hungry.” And he partook of just enough to stay 
his stomach. Luke and Grandon were not so par- 
ticular and despite their grumbling managed to make 
away with all that remained. 

They saw nothing of the captain, or of the sailors 
who had been taken below, and the time hung heav- 
ily on their hands. At night they were given three 
hammocks and these they slung from one side of the 
prison to the other and rested as well as could be 
expected. The Russian sailors often came to the 
pen to gaze at them, but they had been warned not 
to attempt to converse with the prisoners, so nothing 
was said. 

On the afternoon of the third day aboard of the 
Pocastra, those in the pen heard a loud shouting on 


120 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


deck, followed by a rush of feet. Larry, who was 
resting in the corner for the want of something 
better to do, leaped up. 

“ Something is doing ! ” he cried to his com- 
panions. 

“ Here comes Captain Ponsberry,” ejaculated 
Tom Grandon. 

He was right, the captain was coming up in com- 
pany with Rosenvischpoff and two sailors. The 
Russian petty officer opened the door of the pen and 
Captain Ponsberry was thrust inside. Then the 
door was locked as before. 

“ How are you, boys ? ” cried the captain, cor- 
dially. “ All well, I hope.” 

“ We are,” answered Grandon. “ And you? ” 

“ I’m well enough, but still angry to think that we 
lost the Columbia” 

“ So are we angry,” said Larry. “ But we’ve 
got to stand it. What’s that noise ? ” 

“ They have sighted a Chinese junk, and I reckon 
they are going to treat her as they did our vessel,” 
answered the captain. 

The noise on deck continued, followed by quarter 
of an hour of silence. Then came a shot, followed 
by a second and a third. 

“ Another order to lay-to,” said Larry. “ Won- 
der if the Chinamen will give in as we did? ” 


PRISONERS ON THE “ POCASTRA ” 12 1 

“ They will if they are wise,” said Grandon. 

But the Chinamen did not believe in surrendering 
thus easily. They were carrying rice for the 
Japanese army, and thought that this was known to 
the enemy. Consequently they did their best to sail 
away. 

Hardly had the craft started on a new course when 
the Pocastra opened a direct fire upon her. The 
noise below decks was deafening and fairly shook 
the iron pen in which our friends were confined. 

“ Hullo, that sounds like real war ! ” cried Larry. 
“ They mean business now.” 

One broadside was followed by another, and the 
Chinese junk was raked from end to end with such 
a deadly fire that more than a sixth of the sailors 
and officers were killed. Then the captain flung a 
white flag to the breeze in token of surrender. 

“We have won!” cried those on the Pocastra, 
and it was not long before our friends understood. 
Small boats were put out, and presently half a dozen 
Chinese officers from the junk were brought on 
board as prisoners. A fire that had started on the 
prize ship was put out after some hard work; and 
then a temporary crew was put on board, and the 
junk followed in the wake of the old Columbia, with 
the warship keeping guard over both. 


CHAPTER XIV 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 

An hour after the capture of the Chinese junk one 
of the officers of the ill-fated craft was thrust into 
the prison pen with our friends. 

He was a small sallow-eyed Celestial rejoicing in 
the name of Won Lung, and it was soon learned that 
he could speak a little English, he having once paid 
a visit to San Francisco. 

“ All go up spout ! ” said he, referring to his own 
ship. “ T’ink we safe when Russian gunboat come, 
den all up spout ! ” 

“ Did they sink your ship ? ” asked Captain Pons- 
berry. 

“No sink — shoot holes, back, front, side — all 
up spout. No fightee no more den — all up spout! ” 
The latter was his pet phrase and he used it over and 
over again. 

“ You were in the Japanese trade? ” 

“ Yes — carry rice. Now Russians got rice, got 
junk — all Won Lung’s money gone up spout ! ” 
And the Celestial made an odd little grimace. 


122 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 


123 


“ Well, they took my ship, too.” 

“ Big schooner your shipee ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Won Lung weep for you — all ship gone up 
spout, samee like Won Lung’s ship gone up spout ! ” 

“ Well, we haven’t gone up the spout yet,” put in 
Larry, with a laugh. “ Let us thank fortune that we 
are alive and well.” 

“ Dat so — Won Lung lose fliends on junk — six, 
seven, ten — don’t know how many yet,” and the Chi- 
nese officer shook his head sadly. “ Bad war, bad ! ” 

“ Can you tell us how the war is going? ” asked 
Tom Grandon. “ These Russians say everything 
is a Russian victory.” 

“ Russians sayee dat? ” 

“ Yes — they pretend to say they have the Japs 
about beaten.” 

At this Won Lung screwed up his eyes into mere 
slits. 

“ Big lie dat. Japanese win everyt’ing allee 
timee. Russian warships gone up spout — Russian 
army run like — like — up spout ! ” 

After that Won Lung told them all he knew. It 
was hard to understand him, yet they gathered that 
there had been another sea fight in the vicinity of 
Port Arthur, in which the Russian navy had come 
off second best, and that the Japanese army that had 


124 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


landed in Korea had driven the enemy to the north- 
westward, over the Yalu River, and was now forcing 
them back upon Liao- Yang. 

“ If this news about the army is true, Ben and 
Gilbert must be having a hot time of it,” was Larry’s 
comment. “ I must say, I am mighty glad they are 
on the winning side.” 

“ Didn’t I tell ye them Russians are a lot o’ 
blowers?” came from Luke. “The truth ain’t in 
’em half the time.” 

“ Perhaps they do not get the correct news from 
the front,” came from Captain Ponsberry. “ The 
censors may keep the bad news back, for fear of 
disheartening the rest of the men in the army and 
navy.” 

“ They tell me the Russians are very strict about 
sending out news,” rejoined Larry. 

“It is true, Larry; no country on the globe is 
stricter. No telegram can be sent without it is in- 
spected, and the newspapers cannot print a single 
scrap of news, or a single editorial, until after the 
press censor has passed upon it.” 

“ If that’s the case, I don’t wonder that some of 
the people want to be free.” 

“ Russia is more free to-day than she ever was 
before, and freedom is bound to come sooner or later 
— that is, I mean, not such freedom as we have in the 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 


125 


United States, but such freedom as they have in 
England and Germany — where, at least, a man can 
call his soul his own.” 

“ It’s a wonder the Russians will fight for their 
country, if they are so ground down.” 

“ They know nothing better, and besides, they 
are really patriotic. If the Czar would only treat 
them a little better, and give them a little more 
liberty, they would be the most faithful of subjects. 
But when a man can’t do at all as he wants to do, 
and can’t open his mouth about it either, he is apt 
to grow sullen and ugly.” 

As day after day went by life on the Russian 
warship became almost unendurable for Larry and 
the others. They suffered greatly for the want of 
fresh air, and at last made a vigorous protest to the 
captain of the ship, when he happened to be passing 
the pen. As a result orders were given that they 
should be allowed three hours on deck each day, one 
in the morning and two after dinner. 

“ This is a little like,” said Larry, when coming 
on deck for the first time. “ Oh, how good it fe:els 
to breathe fresh air once more ! ” And he filled his 
lungs to their fullest capacity. 

For their daily exercise Larry and Luke were 
chained together, and the pair inspected with great 
curiosity as much of the warship as was allowed. 


126 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ It’s not so very different from some of our own 
auxiliary cruisers,” said Larry. “ But, after all, 
I like ours better.” 

“ That’s right, lad ; stick up fer your own country 
every trip.” 

“ Well, what do you say, Luke? ” 

“ I say I’d rather be on one of Uncle Sam’s ships 
than on any other in the world.” 

While allowed to roam around on deck, Larry 
often looked eagerly for the Columbia , but the 
schooner and the Chinese junk were too far off to be 
distinguished with the naked eye. 

“ We’d give a good deal to be back on her deck, 
wouldn’t we, Luke ? ” said he. 

“ Don’t mention it, lad; it makes me sick,” 
grumbled the Yankee tar. 

“ I wish I knew just what was being done on land, 
don’t you? Perhaps this war will end soon, and 
then we’ll be set free.” 

“ It won’t end yet awhile, Larry, mark my words 
on that,” answered Luke. 

The old Yankee sailor was right — the war was 
far from ended, and here it may be well to note 
briefly what was taking place on the sea between 
Russia and Japan, while the army of the Mikado 
was pushing through Manchuria in the direction of 
Liao- Yang. 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 12/ 

The loss of the great battleship Petropavlovsk 
has already been recorded in “ Under the Mikado’s 
Flag.” This vessel was sunk by a mine in Port 
Arthur harbor, April 13, 1904, and carried down 
with her Admiral Makaroff and about five hundred 
officers and men. At the same time the battleship 
Pobieda was also injured by a mine. 

The loss of the admiral’s flag-ship was a great 
blow to Russia, and while she was trying to recover, 
Port Arthur was vigorously shelled by the Japanese 
fleet, and many buildings were more or less 
damaged. Some warehouses were set on fire, but 
the local fire department, aided by the Russian garri- 
son, succeeded in putting out the conflagration. 

While the Japanese fleet was hammering at the 
city and the ships from beyond the harbor, the 
Japanese army encircled Port Arthur on land, 
taking possession of every available hill beyond the 
Russian line of defenses. As a consequence, by the 
middle of May the city was in a complete state of 
siege, nearly all communication with the outside 
world being cut off. 

But now came a turn in affairs which, for a short 
while, made matters look favorable for Russia. 
While the fleet of Admiral Togo was patrolling the 
whole of the southeastern coast of Manchuria and 
protecting the Japanese transports which were pour- 


128 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


ing troops into the country, occurred a catastrophe 
as appalling as it was unexpected. 

On the same day, May 15, the magnificent battle- 
ship Hatsuse , of the Japanese navy, was blown up 
by mines and sunk, and the protected cruiser, 
Yoshino , also of Admiral Togo's fleet, collided in 
the fog with a sister ship, and was a total loss. It is 
estimated that by these two disasters seven hundred 
men were lost. Among the officers who met their 
fate were men of marked ability which Japan at this 
crisis could ill afford to lose. 

The loss of the Hatsuse is worth relating in detail. 
She had been along the coast during a heavy fog, 
but this had cleared off and the sun was shining 
brightly. Not an enemy was in sight, and all was 
quiet on the great battleship when, without warning, 
a terrific explosion was felt near the stern and a 
portion of the steering gear was damaged. 

“We have struck a mine!" cried some one on 
board, and without delay signals were hoisted for the 
other vessels in sight to stand by. The battleship 
was drifting and the locality was full of mines. It 
was a moment of terrible suspense. Then came 
another explosion, greater than the first, which 
ripped large holes through her heavy plates. At 
once the battleship began to fill, and presently she 
sank like a stone to the bottom of the sea. The 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 


129 


other warships put out their small boats with all 
speed, and succeeded in rescuing about three hundred 
officers and men out of a total of nearly eight hun- 
dred. Among those lost were Rear-Admiral 
Nashiba and Captain Nakao, the commander of the 
warship. 

The Yoshino was lost while steaming slowly 
southward, after a night’s vigil near the entrance to 
Port Arthur harbor. Other vessels of the blockad- 
ing fleet were close by, so each ship had to advance 
with extreme caution. But the fog, instead of lift- 
ing, became thicker, and at a little before two o’clock 
in the afternoon the cruiser was rammed by the 
Kasuga, another vessel of the fleet. A large hole 
was torn in the hull of the Yoshino . 

“ Out with the collision mats ! ” cried the com- 
mander of the cruiser, and the mats were brought 
out without delay and placed over the side. But the 
hole was too great to be stopped in that manner. 
Then the captain called the entire crew on deck, and 
ordered the small boats to be lowered, five on the 
starboard side and one on the port. Before the boats 
could be gotten away, the Yoshino listed heavily 
to starboard and went down, smashing the five small 
boats under her. The other boat managed to get 
away, with only a handful of jackies and a couple 
of officers. The captain remained on the bridge 


130 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


and went down with his ship. As soon as possible 
the Kasuga put out her boats and succeeded in 
rescuing about ninety men, out of a total of over two 
hundred and fifty. 

It was a great blow to Japan and the Russians 
were correspondingly elated. Feeling that Admiral 
Togo’s grip on the sea was now weakened, the 
Russian squadron at Vladivostok sailed forth and 
did much damage to the shipping on the northern 
coast of Japan, sinking several merchantmen and 
taking a number of others as prizes. The Russian 
squadron also met the Japanese transport Kinshiu 
Maru , having on board the 37th regiment of 
Japanese infantry. 

“ Surrender, or we will sink you ! ” signaled the 
Russian commander. The Japanese refused, and 
were given exactly an hour in which to think it over. 
As they still refused, a torpedo was discharged 
against the doomed ship. As she began to sink the 
Japanese soldiers opened fire with their rifles, and 
then the Russians answered with their machine guns, 
mowing down the Mikado’s men by the score. But 
the Japanese were brave to the last, and sank beneath 
the waves with the cry of Banzai! (hurrah !) on their 
lips. 

It was an auxiliary cruiser of the Vladivostok 
squadron which had taken the Columbia and the 


PROGRESS OF THE WAR 


131 

Chinese junk as prizes of war. The captain of the 
cruiser was now looking for the rest of the squadron, 
but so far none of the warships had been sighted. 

“ They must have returned to Vladivostok,” he 
reasoned, and then turned in that direction with the 
Pocastra, never dreaming of what the near future 
held in store for himself, his ship, and his crew. 


CHAPTER XV 


A SHARP NAVAL BATTLE 

So far the weather had been good, but following 
the conversation recorded in the last chapter there 
came up a dense fog, and for twenty-four hours the 
Russian warship did nothing but creep along in the 
gloom. 

During that time, for some unknown reason, Larry 
and the others were allowed greater freedom than 
before. Each had his hands chained behind him, 
but all were separate, which allowed each to roam 
around as he pleased. 

“ This is better than being linked to somebody 
else, ,, said the youth to his old sailor friend. “ Not 
but that we got along well enough together,” he 
added, hastily. 

“ You’re right — there wasn’t no sense in joinin’ 
us together,” answered Luke. “ We can’t git away 
if we want to.” 

“ We might, if we didn’t have our hands chained, 
Luke.” 

“ How?” 

“ If we all got together some night — providing 


132 


A SHARP NAVAL BATTLE 1 33 

we could keep out of the pen — and stole one of the 
small boats. ,, 

“ Easier said nor done. The guard would ketch 
ye an’ shoot ye down like a dog.” 

“ Oh, I know there would be a great risk. But I 
hate to think of going to a Siberian prison, or aboard 
a Russian prison ship.” 

“ So do I, Larry. But even if we stole the boat 
and got away, where would we go to, — especially 
if we didn’t have much provisions an’ water? ” 

Larry could not answer that question, since he 
did not know the location of the Pocastra. It might 
be that they were hundreds of miles from land. If 
so, to take to a small boat with a scarcity of water 
and provisions would certainly be foolhardy. 

The fog continued during the night, but swept 
away as if by magic about nine o’clock in the 
morning. At that time the prisoners had had their 
breakfast and Larry and Luke were between decks, 
looking at some gunners’ assistants cleaning out one 
of the large guns. 

Suddenly came a call from the lookout, followed 
by half a dozen commands. As everything said was 
in Russian, our friends did not understand a word, 
but they soon realized that something unusual was 
in the air. A shrill whistle sounded out and drums 
began to beat to quarters. 


134 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ I’ll wager a new hat they have sighted a Jap- 
anese ship ! ” cried Larry, and scarcely had he spoken 
when there came a dull booming over the water. 

“ Let us go to the deck an’ see what’s doing,” 
returned Luke, and both started for the stairs. But 
scarcely had they appeared on the deck when they 
were ordered below again. 

Larry was right; a Japanese warship had been 
sighted, and this vessel had lost no time in discharg- 
ing a signal gun to a sister ship only a few miles 
away. 

Hardly had the youth and his friend reached the 
lower deck once more than the Japanese cruiser 
opened fire on the Russian vessel. The latter re- 
taliated, and the booming of cannon shook the 
Pocostra from stem to stern. 

“This is a fight for fair! ” ejaculated Luke, with 
a broad smile on his face. 

“ I hope the Japs win, Luke ! ” 

“ So do I, lad. But where do we come in, that’s 
what I want to know? ” 

“ If we could only drop overboard and swim to 
that other ship ! ” 

“No use of trying — some of the fellows in the 
tops would pick us off in no time. No, we’ve got 
to stay right where we are an’ take what comes.” 

“ Where are the others ? ” 


A SHARP NAVAL BATTLE 


135 


They looked around, but could see nothing of 
Captain Ponsberry or Tom Grandon. They saw 
Cal Vincent run past, but he was out of sight before 
they could stop him. 

Suddenly a crash above them told that a solid shot 
had struck the upper works of the Russian cruiser. 
Then came another crash at the bow. 

“ Those Japs know how to fire,” came from the 
Yankee sailor. “ Reckon as how they’re going to 
do their best to blow this ship sky-high. I’d give 
’most a dollar to be somewhere else just about 
now ! ” And he shook his head anxiously. 

The Russian gunners were working with a will, 
and so were their numerous assistants. The 
Pocastra was swung around, and now both ships 
were broadside to each other. The thunder of the 
guns was terrific and the smoke rolled around in all 
directions. 

“ Puts me in mind o’ the battle o’ Manila Bay, 
eh ? ” remarked Luke, as he and Larry stood at a 
distance, watching the Russians work one of the 
guns. 

“ You are right, Luke, only ” 

Larry got no further, for at that moment came an- 
other crash on deck. The Pocastra shivered and 
heaved, and to those below it was as if she would 
surely sink. 


136 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ They’re pumping it into us, sure as you’re 
born!” sang out the old Yankee tar. “ Hullo, 
what’s this ? ” 

There was a rush of several gunners across the 
deck. “ Beware of that gun ! ” yelled one in Rus- 
sian, and then a stampede followed. 

In the midst of the confusion came a fearful ex- 
plosion from below. A portion of the flooring was 
ripped apart and one of the gunners was instantly 
killed and several wounded. A great volume of 
smoke rolled up, and splinters and bits of iron and 
steel flew in all directions. 

Both Larry and Luke were almost stunned by the 
explosion and for the moment could do nothing but 
clutch each other in terror. Both were struck 
by the flying splinters, but neither was seriously 
wounded. They staggered back and began to 
cough, for the dense smoke was strangling. 

“ Must have been a torpedo ” gasped Luke. 

“ Or else a magazine ! ” spluttered Larry. “ Let 
— let us get — get out of here. I’m — choking — to — 
to — death ! ” 

It was really a magazine which had exploded. 
This tore a good-sized hole in the Pocastra’s side, in 
a spot impossible to get at in the confusion. In the 
meantime a solid eight-inch shell struck the Russian 
ship squarely in the stern, doing additional damage 



In the midst of the confusion came a fearful explosion. 

Page 136. 





A SHARP NAVAL BATTLE 


137 


and killing and wounding two officers and nine 
men. 

Almost choked to death, Larry and Luke crawled 
to where the ladder ran to the deck. The Russian 
jackies and gunners were swarming up, along with 
all the prisoners. 

4 4 Larry, are you safe?” came in the voice of 
Captain Ponsberry, and he loomed up, with Tom 
Grandon, Cal Vincent, and the Chinese petty officer 
beside him. 

44 So far I am,” answered Larry. 44 But I — I — 
must have air ! ” and he began to cough. 

The jam on the ladder was terrific, and in the 
midst of the melee a Russian gunner and the Chinese 
petty officer got into a quarrel. The gunner threw 
the Celestial down, but he bounced up like a ball, 
and in a twinkling the Russian received a blow in the 
stomach which sent him staggering back into the 
crowd and the deadly smoke. 

44 No knock me up the spout ! ” sang out the 
Celestial. 44 Ship go down I go uppee ! ” And 
soon he was out on the upper deck. 

Fighting, surging, pushing, and yelling the Rus- 
sians and our friends got to the deck at last. Cap- 
tain Ponsberry had his coat literally ripped from his 
back, and Cal Vincent had an arm almost torn from 
its socket. For this he gave a Russian gunner a 


138 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

rap in the mouth which knocked loose several teeth. 
It was a case of each man for himself, and many 
fought like wild beasts. 

At last Larry found himself free of the crowd, 
with Luke still beside him. Captain Ponsberry and 
Cal Vincent were not far away, but between surged 
a great number of Russians. The Pocastra was list- 
ing heavily to port and had evidently taken a large 
quantity of water into her hull. 

Two Japanese warships were now at hand and 
both were firing upon the doomed Russian cruiser 
with deadly accuracy. From the fighting tops of 
the Mikado’s ships came a perfect hail of small bul- 
lets which sent the Russians to the deck by the score. 
By this fire one of the Columbia's sailors was killed 
and Cal Vincent was seriously wounded. A bullet 
likewise grazed Luke Striker’s thigh, drawing some 
blood, but the Yankee tar did not know of this until 
the conflict was at an end and he saw the crimson 
stain on his shoe top. 

At last the Russian captain saw that to fight fur- 
ther would be useless. The Pocastra was in danger 
of going down at any moment. The guns could 
no longer be used, and he ordered the colors lowered 
and put up a signal of surrender. 

A wild cheer came from the two Japanese war- 
ships when it was realized that the battle was won. 


A SHARP NAVAL BATTLE 


139 


" Banzai ! Banzai! ” rent the air over and over 
again. “ Hurrah for the Mikado ! Down with the 
Russians ! ” 

A little while after the fighting came to an end, 
several small boats put off from the two Japanese 
warships and half a dozen of the Mikado's naval 
officers presented themselves at the Pocastra’s side. 
The Russian ship still listed heavily, but after the 
smoke below had cleared away it was ascertained 
that the damage done was not as great as had been 
imagined. One of the magazines which had been 
in danger of blowing up had been flooded, and the 
rush of sea water had likewise put out a fire that 
had started in the stern. 

As soon as order could be restored on board of 
the Pocastra a complete surrender was made to the 
Japanese, the Russian captain giving up his sword. 
Then a general conference was had lasting over an 
hour. At the end of that time, much to their sur- 
prise, the Americans were asked to go over to one of 
the Japanese warships. 

“ We’ll go, and glad of the chance,” said Cap- 
tain Ponsberry; and soon the transfer was made. 


CHAPTER XVI 


ABOARD A JAPANESE WARSHIP 

“ What a beauty of a ship ! ” 

Such was Larry’s exclamation as he stepped 
aboard of the Japanese warship. The vessel was, 
like the Russian prize, an auxiliary cruiser and 
named the Mimora Juri. She was but three years 
old and had been used for passenger service between 
Japan and China. For such a small cruiser she car- 
ried an unusually heavy battery, and everything was 
shined up to the last degree, — the work having been 
undertaken directly after the battle was over. The 
Mimora Juri had suffered but little damage during 
the contest and only a handful of men had been 
killed and wounded. 

“ This looks more like Uncle Sam’s navy than 
anything I have seen yet,” said Luke. 

“ Well, I don’t know that the decorations aboard 
our ships are quite so fine,” returned the youth. 
“ But then this isn’t an ordinary fighting ship. 
Some of the auxiliary cruisers we used during the 
war with Spain — those that used to be trans-Atlantic 
steamers — were just as fine as this and finer.” 


140 


ABOARD A JAPANESE WARSHIP I4I 

As soon as those from the Columbia reached the 
Japanese warship the wounded were taken in charge 
by the surgeons and placed in the sick bay, as the 
hospital on a naval vessel is called. This was also 
in the best of order, with nice, swinging cots, and 
appliances of the latest designs. 

As there were many things to be arranged be- 
tween the two Japanese vessels and the Russian 
prize, our friends were not interviewed until late in 
the evening. In the meantime, some of the Rus- 
sians were made prisoners, and a prize crew was 
placed aboard of the Pocastra. Then the two Japa- 
nese warships moved away, with the captured cruiser 
between them. 

“ Those Russians must feel sick,” was Larry's 
comment. “ It's worse for them, in a way, than if 
their ship had gone down.” 

“ Well, we all thought she was sinking,” re- 
turned Captain Ponsberry. “ If she had sunk I 
reckon some of us wouldn’t be here to tell the 
tale.” 

When evening came, a guard who could speak 
a little English conducted Captain Ponsberry, 
Larry, and Tom Grandon to the commander’s cabin. 
Here they were met by Captain Tonkaka, who, be- 
ing a graduate of the Japanese naval school, could 
speak not only English but also several other foreign 


142 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


languages. It may be mentioned here that the Japa- 
nese naval academy of to-day is one of the foremost 
institutions of its kind in the world. 

“ I will hear your story, Captain Ponsberry,” said 
the Japanese captain, politely, as he motioned his 
visitors to be seated. 

In a plain, direct manner the master of the Co- 
lumbia told his tale, starting from the time the 
schooner left Manila with a cargo intended for the 
Japanese Government. He told of the trouble with 
Semmel and of the mutiny, and then of the capture 
by the Pocastra. 

“ You have assuredly been unfortunate,” said 
Captain Tonkaka. “ Have you any idea where 
your schooner is now ? ” 

“ I have not, but I thought she must be close to 
the Russian ship — she and that Chinese junk, too. 
The Pocastra was taking them to Vladivostok as 
prizes.” 

“ Ah ! ” The Japanese captain mused for a mo- 
ment. “ I dare say you would like to gain back 
your ship? ” he continued. 

“ Indeed I would ! ” cried Captain Ponsberry. 
“ I’d give a pretty dollar to do so ! ” 

“ I shall interview the captain of the Russian war- 
ship again to-morrow. It may be that he will tell 
us where she is — although I doubt it.” 


ABOARD A JAPANESE WARSHIP 143 

After this a few questions were put to Larry and 
Tom Grandon and both corroborated what Captain 
Ponsberry had said. They were also questioned 
concerning the treatment they had received while on 
the Pocastra. 

“ You may be thankful that the treatment was no 
worse/’ said Captain Tonkaka. “ Of late some of 
the Russians have treated their prisoners in a most 
brutal fashion.” 

“We are thankful,” replied the master of the 
Columbia. 

The majority of the staterooms aboard of the 
Mimora Juri were occupied by the officers of the 
cruiser, but one small room was turned over to Cap- 
tain Ponsberry, and a larger apartment was turned 
over to Tom Grandon and Larry. At Larry’s solici- 
tation Luke Striker was allowed to “ bunk in ” with 
the first and second mates. 

“ This ’ere ship is jest about next to a palace,” 
was Luke’s comment. “ Ain’t seen nothing so fancy 
in a long time.” 

The Japanese warships were bound for the near- 
est naval station with their prize. They could 
readily have made eighteen knots an hour, but the 
crippled Russian cruiser could not make over ten, 
and so this was the rate of speed set for all three. 

The Americans were allowed the freedom of the 


144 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


ship and Larry and Luke spent many hours in in- 
specting the guns and other equipments, and in 
watching the Japanese jackies in the gun and cutlass 
drills, their physical exercises, and in their drills to 
fight fire and to lower the small boats. Everything 
on board ran as smoothly as clockwork, much to their 
delight. 

“ I can tell you what, Luke ! ” cried Larry, en- 
thusiastically, “ this beats the Russians all hollow ! 
I never saw anything so well done ! ” 

“ Almost beats our own navy, doesn’t it ? ” 

“ Well, I don’t know about that. But it is cer- 
tainly just as good. That drill to fight fire is im- 
mense, and their physical exercises ought to make 
each man’s muscles like iron.” 

“ They are a sturdy lot, lad, no two ways about 
that, — and they understand just how to keep them- 
selves in the pink of condition.” Luke rubbed his 
chin reflectively. “ Do ye know what I have in 
mind to do ? ” 

“ I think I can make a pretty good guess,” came 
quickly from Larry. S 

“ Well?” 

“ You’re thinking that you’d like to join the Japa- 
nese navy, just to have a mix-up or two with the 
Russians.” 

“ You’ve struck the nail on the head, lad. And 


ABOARD A JAPANESE WARSHIP 1 45 

why not, seeing as how we are out here in fight- 
ing waters, and with no ship of our own to go 
aboard ? " 

“ Well, I feel a good bit that way myself. Ben 
is in the army, and so is Gilbert Pennington. If 
they can make a record for themselves why shouldn't 
I do the same? As it was I came close to joining 
the army with Ben." 

“ So you told me before. But you're a born 
sailor, Larry, not a soldier." 

“ I don’t deny it. I'd rather be on board of a ship 
than on land any day." 

“ Yes, to a fellow as gets used to the sea the land 
seems a strange place." 

From the Japanese on the warship who could 
speak English our friends learned much concerning 
the war. They were told that Admiral Togo's fleet 
was keeping a strict guard over the harbor approach 
to Port Arthur, and that a portion of the Japa- 
nese army was hemming in the city on the land 
side and had lately captured several hills of impor- 
tance. 

From Captain Tonkaka the Americans obtained 
permission to station themselves in one of the fight- 
ing tops, and here they spent hour after hour, on 
the lookout for the Columbia. Captain Ponsberry 
was particularly anxious to find his vessel, and kept 


I46 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

scanning the Japan Sea through a fine spyglass the 
Japanese captain loaned him. 

“ If I can gain possession of that ship, I am going 
to fix Semmel and Peterson,” said the master of the 
Columbia. 

“ Both of them declared that they took possession 
of the ship for the sake of the Russian Government,” 
said Larry. “ That being the case, they should be 
treated as prisoners of war.” 

“ Exactly my idea, Larry.” 

“ Semmel is a thoroughly bad egg,” came from 
Tom Grandon. “ He will lie out of his troubles if 
he can possibly do so.” 

“ It will be a shame if we don’t find the Columbia 
again,” went on Larry. “ Think of those rascals 
taking her to Vladivostok and getting their share of 
the prize money ! It makes me sick ! ” 

“ Captain Tonkaka tells me that other Japanese 
warships are in this vicinity,” said Captain Pons- 
berry. “ They may fall in with the schooner even 
if we don’t. But what they will do with her, in that 
case, there is no telling. They might claim her as a 
prize also, and if they did, I’d have some trouble in 
getting my property back.” 

What the Japanese captain had said was true. 
In order to counteract the doings of the Russian 
squadron which was raiding the northern and east- 


ABOARD A JAPANESE WARSHIP 


147 


ern coasts of Japan, the Mikado had sent out a fly- 
ing squadron of six or seven vessels, all of which, 
though not large, had good sailing powers. 

Owing to the heavy mists, the flying squadron 
became separated, and two of the vessels fell in with 
the Pocastra, as already described. Of the other 
ships some proceeded up the coast to Korea and 
caught two Russian colliers loaded with coal and an- 
other ship carrying steel rails for the Manchuria 
railroad. The remainder of the squadron put fur- 
ther to sea, and on the fourth day out caught sight of 
two Russian steamers loaded with munitions of war. 
A chase ensued, lasting three days, and several shots 
were exchanged at long range. But a mist, coming 
up one night, put an end to the chase, and chagrined 
to think that the enemy had given them the slip 
after all, the Japanese turned back once more, to 
look for the other vessels of the flying squadron. 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE RETAKING OF THE “ COLUMBIA ” 

“ We are in for another storm ! ” 

It was Larry who made the remark. He was in 
one of the tops with Luke, gazing anxiously to the 
westward, where the black clouds were beginning 
to pile up. 

“ Right you are, lad — and it’s going to be a heavy 
one, unless I miss my guess.” 

The storm broke half an hour later, and the wind 
and rain were so furious that our friends were glad 
to leave the top and go below. But some of the 
Japanese sailors did not appear to mind the lashing 
of the elements and remained on deck as if nothing 
out of the ordinary was occurring. 

“ These chaps beat me ! ” said Larry. “ They are 
certainly as tough as pine knots. I never saw their 
equal.” 

“ I’m beginning to think that the Japanese are 
a wonderful nation,” put in Tom Grandon, seriously. 
“ I used to look at them as something like the 
Chinese. But there is a wide difference between 
them and the Chinks.” 


148 


THE RETAKING OF THE “ COLUMBIA ” I49 

“ A Chinaman isn't in it alongside of a Japa- 
nese," came from Captain Ponsberry. “ The Japa- 
nese are up-to-date and very progressive; the Chi- 
nese are about a hundred years behind the times." 

The storm continued for the best part of half a 
day. There was but little thunder and lightning, 
but the wind blew a perfect gale. Yet even the 
Pocastra did not seem to mind the wind, and all 
three of the warships proceeded on their way at only 
a slightly reduced rate of speed. 

“ Such a gale as this will play havoc with the sail- 
ing vessels," said Larry. “ I wonder how the old 
Columbia is making out? " 

“ I was thinking that same," rejoined Captain 
Ponsberry. “To tell the truth, I’d rather have her 
go to the bottom than see her taken to a Russian 
port as a prize." 

When the storm cleared away, Larry was one of 
the first to go on deck, to get a whiff of “ washed 
air," as he called it. The others followed. 

“ I see a sail ! " cried the youth, a moment later, 
and at that instant came a cry from the lookout. 
Far to the eastward was a sailing vessel flying a 
signal of distress. 

“ She looks familiar to me! " ejaculated Captain 
Ponsberry, and ran to get Captain Tonkaka’s glass. 
One glance through the instrument was enough. 


I $0 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ The Columbia! ” 

“ Are you sure? ” cried Larry. 

“ She certainly is the Columbia” said Tom Gran- 
don, after a look through the glass. “ She has lost 
her fore topmast and part of her bowsprit.” 

“ And a part of the stern rail is gone,” added 
Larry, after he too had used the glass. “ Let us 
tell Captain Tonkaka,” he added, starting to go 
below. 

The news that the Columbia was in sight was 
soon circulated throughout the ship, and Captain 
Tonkaka at once signaled to the other warships that 
he was going to her assistance. Then the Mimora 
Juri steamed away on her new course. 

As they drew closer to the schooner they could 
see that the storm had treated the gallant old ship 
roughly enough. Many of the sails were in ribbons, 
and not only the fore topmast but also half a dozen 
of the spars were gone. One end of the forecastle 
was stove in, and a part of the stern was a wreck. 

“ This is the worst yet ! ” cried Larry. “ They 
must have caught more of the gale than we did.” 

“ They didn’t know how to handle her, that’s the 
reason of it,” came from Captain Ponsberry. “ We 
have taken her through a worse blow than that ; eh, 
Tom?” 

“ I think so,” answered the second mate. 


THE RETAKING OF THE “ COLUMBIA ” 1 5 1 

As soon as the Japanese warship was close enough 
a boat was lowered and an officer went aboard of 
the schooner, followed by several of his crew and 
Captain Ponsberry, Grandon, and Larry. 

The Russians having the schooner in charge were 
meek enough. As a matter of fact the gale had ter- 
rorized them, and all had imagined they were surely 
going to the bottom of the sea. They did not like 
it to find themselves in the hands of the enemy and 
were astonished when they learned that the Pocastra 
had been captured. 

“ It was a fearful storm/’ said the Russian officer 
who was in charge. “ Several times I fancied the 
masts would all go by the board. I shall never want 
another such experience. One man was washed 
overboard and several were badly hurt by the wreck- 
ing of the forecastle.” 

“ Were any of my former men injured? ” asked 
Captain Ponsberry. 

“ It was my fellow countryman, Ostag Semmel, 
who was swept overboard and drowned,” answered 
the Russian officer. 

“ Semmel! ” ejaculated Larry. He drew a long 
breath and his hatred of the man died all in an in- 
stant. “ Poor chap ! That was rough on him ! ” 

“ It certainly was rough,” answered Captain 
Ponsberry. “ And what of the others ? ” 


152 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Both Peterson and Shamhaven were hurt, but 
not seriously. They are below resting,” was the 
answer. 

It was found that some of the seams of the 
schooner had opened but that no alarming quantity 
of water was running into the well. The Russians 
were asked to surrender as prisoners of war and this 
they did willingly, and were transferred to the 
Japanese warship. Then Captain Ponsberry was 
asked if he wished to take charge of the Columbia 
again. 

“ Will a duck swim ! ” he cried. “ Of course I 
want to take charge. Hasn’t she always been my 
ship? And my crew will want to go with me, I 
know.” 

“ But the wreckage ” began Captain Tonkaka. 

“ I’ll attend to that, sir, — don’t you worry. Only 
give me back my ship, that’s all I ask.” 

“ It shall be as you say, Captain Ponsberry. But 
when you get to Nagasaki you will have to settle 
matters with the Japanese Government. It is, all 
told, a rather peculiar case. In one way, she is now 
a Japanese prize of war, and in another way she is 
not.” 

“ I understand, and the courts will have to settle 
the tangle, sir. I’ll do what is fair, and I know the 
Richmond Importing Company will do the same.” 


THE RETAKING OF THE “ COLUMBIA ” 153 

“ Then you can go aboard of the ship as soon as 
you please.” 

“ Thank you very much.” 

Captain Ponsberry had returned to the warship 
for just this talk, and now he lost no time in getting 
back to the Columbia , taking with him all his crew, 
including Cal Vincent, who was just about able to 
get around once more. 

“ Hurrah ! ” cried Larry, “ this seems like home 
once more, doesn’t it? ” 

“ That’s what it does,” answered Luke. “ But 
there is plenty of work ahead, I can tell you that, 
lad.” 

“ I don’t care — work will help to pass the time.” 

When Peterson and Shamhaven saw Captain 
Ponsberry they did not know what to say. The loss 
of their leader, Semmel, had humbled them greatly. 

“ Pm not going to say much to you, seeing as 
how both of you are hurt,” said the master of the 
Columbia , briefly. “ But understand, I want no 
nonsense from either of you.” 

“ I’ll do all I can to assist you, captain,” said 
Shamhaven, humbly. “ All I want is another 
chance.” 

“ Which you’ll not get from me,” was the quick 
rejoinder. “ I know you thoroughly, Shamhaven, 
and I am done with you. You and Peterson aided 


154 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


the Russians and you can^now consider yourselves 
under arrest. When we get into port I’m going to 
hand you over to the Japanese authorities.” 

Both of the culprits wanted to argue, but the 
captain would not listen. Their hurts were in- 
spected and they were told that they would be al- 
lowed three days in which to recuperate, after which 
they would have to do their share of duty. 

“ I don’t like this,” growled Shamhaven, after the 
interview was over. “ Peterson, we are in it deeper 
than ever.” 

“ Dat is so,” was the answer, with a scowl. 
“ Veil, ve not put up mit him, hey? Maybe, ven we 
git near shore, we run avay, Shamhaven.” 

“ Yes, if we can get the chance. But I don’t 
know where you are going to run to — especially if 
you haven’t any money.” 

“ Ve git money.” 

“ From where? ” 

“ I ton’t know dot yet, no, but ve git him, yes. 
Captain Ponsberry must haf some, and dot Larry 
Russell, too. Vonce I see Russell mit a money pelt 
vot haf some gold in him, yes.” 

“ A money belt with gold? You must be dream- 
ing.” 

“ No, I see him mit mine two eyes. He count 
der gold. He haf more as dirty pieces.” 


155 


THE RETAKING OF THE “ COLUMBIA ” 

“ That is worth remembering,” answered Sham- 
haven. And he began to speculate upon what he 
could do in Japan if he was free and had a money 
belt full of gold. 

That Larry had a money belt was true. He had 
purchased it several years before, while on shore 
duty in the Philippines. He was a saving fellow 
and found the belt useful in which to place his wages 
and the money which he occasionally received from 
home. Strange as it may seem, the belt had not 
been taken away from him by the Russians, and it 
now contained nearly three hundred dollars. The 
money was mostly in gold, — for he had found that 
gold could be used no matter where he went. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


A CLEVER RUSE 

As soon as Captain Ponsberry was in charge of 
the Columbia once more he set about without delay 
to put the schooner in proper condition for the run to 
Nagasaki. The broken-off foremast was allowed to 
remain as it was, but a temporary bowsprit was set 
into place, and the damage to the forecastle and to 
the stern repaired. A temporary rail was also nailed 
up, so that there might be no danger of anybody 
slipping overboard. 

In all this work the sailors and the ship’s carpen- 
ter did their best, and the captain and his mates 
helped. Sails were also sewed up, or replaced, and 
inside of forty-eight hours the old Columbia was 
once more on her way. The water taken aboard 
was pumped out, and the pumps were kept going 
two hours each morning and two hours each after- 
noon. 

“ She will do now,” said the captain, after the 
heaviest of the work was over. “ But when we 
reach Nagasaki I’ll have to put her in the dock for 

156 


A CLEVER RUSE 


157 


regular repairs. I shouldn’t dare to take her to 
Manila or to San Francisco in such a condition.” 

“ It will take a long time to have the repairs made 
in Japan,” said Larry. “ All the shipyards are busy 
on government work.” 

“ True, lad, but that cannot be helped. The law 
would not allow me to sign a crew with a ship that 
was not seaworthy.” 

“ Then we’ll have a long lay-off when we reach 
Nagasaki.” 

“ Exactly, Larry. But I shan’t keep you. If 
you want to go elsewhere ” 

“ Not on another sailing vessel, Captain Pons- 
berry. But you know how it is with Luke Striker 
and myself. Ever since we were in our own navy 
we have had a hankering after warships, and ” 

“ And you think of joining the Japanese navy? ” 
put in the master of the schooner, quickly. 

“ That’s it. You know how I spoke of joining the 
army with Ben and Gilbert.” 

“ To be sure — and I told you I couldn’t spare 
you.” 

“ But now, if you haven’t any use for me any 
longer ” 

“ Why, Larry, if you want to fight for Japan, 
go ahead and fight! ” ejaculated Captain Ponsberry. 
“ I don’t blame you. I’d fight myself if I was a 


158 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


younger man and hadn’t any obligations on my 
shoulders. I suppose Ben is doing great things in 
the army and you’d like to match him in the navy, 
eh?” 

“ If I join the navy I’ll do my best.” 

“ Will Striker go with you? ” 

“ Oh, yes, Luke and I always go together, if we 
can. He was my chum when we fought ujider 
Dewey and he has been my chum ever since.” 

“ And a good fellow, too, Larry — a man with a 
heart of gold. If it wasn’t that you and Tom 
Grandon were with me, I should have made him a 
mate long ago.” 

“ I don’t doubt that, sir — and he is worthy of it.” 
Larry paused for a moment. “ Of course, I don’t 
know if they want any of us in the navy.” 

“ Didn’t you tell me before that they had several 
men you had met while under Dewey and some your 
brother Walter had met while fighting in Cuban 
waters ? ” 

“ Yes, but that was some time ago.” 

“ If they took those chaps then it’s likely they will 
take you now — unless, of course, they have all the 
men they want — which I doubt.” 

“We shall not go as ordinary jackies. Ben got 
a commission as a captain, and Luke thinks he might 
go as a gunner and I might go as an assistant gun- 


A CLEVER RUSE 159 

ner. We occupied those positions before we left our 
navy.” 

“ Then I should certainly strike for the positions. 
They may need gunners even if they don’t need com- 
mon seamen,” responded Captain Ponsberry. 

As fortune would have it, the run to Nagasaki 
was made without incident worthy of special men- 
tion. Once there was a scare on board, as the water 
in the well hole increased with alarming rapidity. 
But the new leak was discovered in time, and the 
ship’s carpenter had little difficulty in repairing it. 
They also sighted a vessel they thought might be a 
Russian warship, but she proved instead to be a 
Japanese coastwise freighter, carrying lumber from 
one port to another on the northern coast of Japan. 

As the Columbia drew closer to Nagasaki both 
Peterson and Shamhaven grew more anxious over 
what was to become of them. Neither desired a 
term in a Japanese prison, and both wondered what 
sort of a charge Captain Ponsberry and the cap- 
tain of the Japanese warship would prefer against 
them. 

So far Captain Ponsberry had allowed them their 
liberty, but through the talk of a couple of sailors 
they presently learned that they were to be cast into 
the ship’s brig and placed under guard as soon as 
the schooner dropped anchor. 


l6o AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ This looks black for us,” said Shamhaven, 
moodily. “ I wish we were out of it.” 

“ I haf a plan got, yes,” answered Peterson. 

“ To get away? ” 

The other nodded. 

“ Then let me hear the plan by all means, Peter- 
son.” 

“ It vos — vot you call him — risky, yes. Maype 
ve get shot — you no like him, no ? ” 

“ Of course I don’t want to get shot. But what 
is your plan ? ” 

“ So soon like de ship come up by der harbor we 
vatch our chances an’ trop oferpoard, yes.” 

“ And swim ashore ? ” 

“ Maype ve schwim by some udder poat, yes. Of 
ve got money we go to leetle poat — gif Jap mans 
money to take us avay, you see now ? ” 

“ You mean to watch for some small Japanese 
boat — a bumboat, eh? And bribe the boatman to 
take us to some place of safety ? ” 

“ You got him now, yes.” 

“ That’s good enough if we can find the bumboat 
and get the money with which to do the bribing.” 

“ Captain Ponsberry got money — an’ Russell he 
got money pelt, like I told you.” 

“ Oh, I haven’t forgotten about that money belt,” 
returned Shamhaven. “ And I wouldn’t mind tak- 


A CLEVER RUSE 


161 


ing it if I could get my hands on it. But Russell 
must wear it most of the time.” 

“ I t’ink he not put him on by der night dime, no.” 

“ What do you know about Captain Ponsberry’s 
money ? ” 

“ He got money in a leetle pag — I see him vonce.” 

“ How much do you think ? ” 

At this Peterson shrugged his shoulders. 

“ No can tell dat — maype a thousand dollars.” 

There was a pause, and Shamhaven drew a long 
breath. 

“ One thing is certain,” he resumed. “ I don’t 
intend to go to a Japanese prison, or an American 
prison either, if I can help it, and if we cut loose 
here in a strange country we afre bound to need more 
or less money with which to get along. Without 
money a fellow can’t do a thing in a strange coun- 
try.” 

“ We git money — chust you vait,” said Peterson. 

At last the Columbia came into sight of the ship- 
ping of Nagasaki. But it was now dark, and a 
heavy fog was hanging over the harbor, so it was 
impossible to make the proper landing before the 
next day. They came to anchor and the necessary 
lights were hung out. 

“ This is our chance,” said Shamhaven. “ It is 
now or never ! ” 


1 62 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

He had heard that Peterson and himself were to 
be made close prisoners directly after supper. He 
watched his chance and when nobody was looking 
motioned his confederate to leave the forecastle and 
steal silently toward the stern of the ship. Each 
carried a block of wood, to which was attached a 
bit of iron, to make it sink from sight. 

“ Now then ! ” whispered Shamhaven, and threw 
the block he carried overboard. It struck the water 
with a loud splash, and the block carried by Peterson 
immediately followed. 

“ Hullo, what’s that ? ” came in the voice 
of Tom Grandon. “ Who threw something over- 
board ? ” 

“ Sounded like somebody jumping into the 
water,” replied Captain Ponsberry, who was on deck 
with the first mate. 

An examination was made, but in the fog and 
darkness nothing could be discovered. 

“ It was mighty queer,” was Grandon’s comment. 
“ Somebody must have done it.” 

“ Where are Shamhaven and Peterson? ” 

“ In the forecastle, I suppose. Do you think ” 

“ I don’t know what to think. See if they are 
there.” 

At once Tom Grandon ran off, and made a tour 
nQt only of the forecastle but also of the forward 


A CLEVER RUSE I 63 

deck. He called the men’s names several times, and 
others quickly joined in the hunt. 

“ They are gone ! ” he ejaculated, running back to 
where Captain Ponsberry stood. 

“ Gone? Then it must have been them jumping 
overboard that we heard ! ” 

“ Like as not — and they are a good bit away from 
the schooner by this time.” 

“ Bring a lantern and we’ll take a look around.” 

A lantern was brought, and a few minutes later a 
small boat was lowered, manned by Luke and three 
other sailors. Captain Ponsberry went with them, 
and the searchers remained out the best part of an 
hour. 

“ They’ve given us the slip clean and clear,” de- 
clared the master of the Columbia , on returning. 
“ It was a risky thing to undertake in such weather 
as this.” 

“ Yes, and for all we know they may be at the 
bottom of the harbor,” answered Tom Grandon. 

“ Which place might be jest what they deserve,” 
grumbled Luke Striker, as he helped to stow away 
the small boat once more. 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE ENEMY 

As soon as Peterson and Shamhaven threw the 
blocks of wood overboard they darted for the com- 
panionway of the schooner and crept noiselessly 
down to the cabin. 

The apartment was deserted, and the swinging 
lamp over the center table was turned low. On the 
table rested several charts which Captain Ponsberry 
had been consulting before joining Tom Grandon 
on deck. 

It was Larry’s watch below and he was improving 
the time by taking a much-needed nap. He lay on 
the berth in his stateroom, with the door wide open 
to admit the fresh air. 

“ Make no noise ! ” whispered Shamhaven. “ If 
we are discovered the jig is up with us.” 

“ Russell is here, yes ? ” came from Peterson. 

“Sh-sh! Yes — over in yonder stateroom.” 

They closed the door leading to the companion- 
way and then tiptoed their way to where Larry lay. 

“ More than likely he keeps his money belt under 
164 


DISAPPEARANCE OF THE ENEMY 1 65 

his pillow when he sleeps,” said Shamhaven. 
“ Wait till I find out.” 

He shoved his hand under the headrest with cau- 
tion and presently his fingers came into contact with 
a strip of leather and chamois. He pulled on it 
gently, but it refused to budge. 

“ Lift his head a little,” he said, and Peterson 
started to do as requested. But the movement, 
gentle as it was, caused Larry to open his eyes. 

“ Wha — what are you doing here?” stammered 
the young second mate, when, waiting for no more 
words, Peterson clapped a dirty hand over his 
mouth. 

“ Keep still, you ! If you no keep still I hit you 
good, yes ! ” 

“ Confound the luck,” muttered Shamhaven. “ I 
didn’t want him to know what we were up to.” 

Larry began to struggle and with an effort threw 
aside the hand over his mouth. 

“ Le — let up ! ” he spluttered. “ I want you 

Help!” 

“ Shut up ! ” cried Shamhaven, fiercely, and struck 
him a swinging blow in the temple. Another blow 
from Peterson followed, and then, with flashing 
lights darting through his brain, Larry lost con- 
sciousness. 

Both men bent over him to see if he would move. 


1 66 AT THE FALL, OF PORT ARTHUR 

When he lay as still as if dead they looked at each 
other with satisfaction. 

“ He won’t bother us any more — at least, not for 
awhile,” was Shamhaven’s comment. 

“ Quick, de money belt ! ” came from Peterson, 
and as he raised up Larry’s head, Shamhaven secured 
it and stowed it away in the bosom of his shirt. 
“ You no keep him! ” he went on, in alarm, show- 
ing that he did not trust his companion in crime. 

“ We’ll divide up afterwards,” said Shamhaven, 
briefly. “ Now to locate the captain’s little pile.” 

Both tiptoed their way into Captain Ponsberry’s 
stateroom. Here there was a small safe, with the 
door closed. 

“A safe, eh?” said Shamhaven. “ Wonder if 
we can open it ? ” 

He knelt down and tried to work the combination 
lock. The safe was old and out of order and the 
captain had had the combination lock made as simple 
as possible in consequence. Soon there came a click, 
followed by another, and the bolts shot back. 

“ Luck is with us ! ” cried Shamhaven. 

“ Dare is de leetle pag,” came from Peterson, and 
reaching into the safe he drew the article forth. 
There was a slip string at the top which he pulled 
apart. 

“ Gold ! ” he cried. “ See — dirty — forty bieces 


DISAPPEARANCE OF THE ENEMY 167 


of gold ! ” And then he shut the bag again, and 
placed it into his own shirt bosom. 

“ Remember, half of that is mine,” came sharply 
from Shamhaven. He fancied there might be more 
in the bag than in the money belt. 

“ Yes, — an’ haf de money-pelt money ist mine, 
yes,” returned Peterson. 

“ Right you are, Peterson. Now to get away 
from the ship.” 

“ Let us lock Russell in de stateroom first.” 

“ A good idea ! ” 

The door was closed and locked. Larry still lay 
unconscious and there was no telling how soon he 
would come to his senses. 

They heard the tramping on the deck and the de- 
parture of the small boat. Now those in the boat 
came back and the search for the missing men came 
to an end. 

With the slyness of a pair of cats, the evildoers 
crept up the companion way once more. Nobody 
was in sight, and they crawled rather than walked 
to the rail of the schooner. Both were good swim- 
mers and not afraid to trust themselves to reach 
some other shipping in the harbor. Yet as an extra 
precaution each provided himself with a life-pre- 
server. 

“ Are you ready, Peterson ? ” 


1 68 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Yes.” 

“ Then over we go.” 

A small rope was handy, and lowering this, each 
slid along it into the waters of the harbor. Then 
they struck out swiftly but silently; and in a few 
minutes the fog and darkness hid them completely 
from view. 

It was the best part of an hour before Larry re- 
turned to his senses. His head ached as if ready 
to split open and for several minutes he could not 
remember where he was or what had occurred. 

“ Oh, my head ! ” he groaned. “ Oh ! ” And 
he turned over and tried to sit up, with the result 
that he pitched out on the floor of the stateroom. 
This aroused him and he got up as quickly as he 
could. 

“ Those rascals attacked me!” he muttered.- 
“ They struck me over the head ! I remember now ! 
Oh, how my head spins, — just as if I was in a 
merry-go-round! I wonder ” 

He dropped on the berth and snatched away the 
pillow. One glance was sufficient to show him how 
he had been robbed. 

“ That’s why they attacked me ! ” he cried. 
“ Wonder where they are now ? Perhaps they ran 
away from the ship ! ” 

Leaping up again he stepped to the door, and 


DISAPPEARANCE OF THE ENEMY 169 

finding it locked, began to pound away lustily, at 
the same time yelling at the top of his lungs. In a 
few minutes this brought down Captain Ponsberry, 
followed by Luke, who had been told to come along, 
the captain fearing that something had gone wrong. 

“ What’s up here? ” demanded Captain Ponsberry 
as he flung open the door. 

“Where are they?” came the counter-question 
from Larry. 

“They? Who?” 

“ Peterson and Shamhaven ? ” 

“ Gone — slid away in the fog.” 

“ They have robbed me!” 

“ You don’t say ! ” ejaculated the master of the 
Columbia. “You are sure?” he went on. 

“ Yes. My money belt is gone. They came 
while I was asleep, and when I woke up both hit me, 
— and I don’t know what happened after that. I 
just came to my senses and found myself locked in.” 

“ The villains ! ” burst in Luke. “ Those chaps 
ought to be swung up to a yardarm ! ” 

The captain listened to Larry’s story anfl then 
was ptompted to take a look around the other state- 
rooms. As a result he speedily discovered that the 
safe had been tampered with and that his own money 
was gone. 

“ They are worse rascals than I thought them,” 


170 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


said Captain Ponsberry, bitterly. “ I am sorry that 
I did not make an example of them from the start/’ 

There was a good deal of speculation concerning 
what had become of Shamhaven and Peterson, and 
another search was instituted, lasting until the fol- 
lowing day, but not a single trace of the evildoers 
could be found. 

“ Well, I am out the whole of my savings,” said 
Larry to Luke. 

“ It’s a shame, lad,” replied the Yankee tar. 
“ But if you need ready cash don’t fail to draw on 
me. As long as I have a shot in the locker half on 
it is yours.” 

“ Thank you, Luke ; I know you’d say that. 
You’re the proper kind of a friend to have.” 

“ Avast, Larry, with your compliments. Would- 
n’t you do the same fer me? ” 

“ Indeed I would!” 

“ Then it ain’t worth talkin’ about. Jest the same, 
I hope we run into them rascals some day; don’t 
you?” 

“ I do. But more than likely they’ll give the Co- 
lumbia and us a wide berth after this,” returned 
Larry. 


CHAPTER XX 


LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO 

As soon as the Columbia could make the proper 
landing, Captain Ponsberry went ashore and re- 
ported his arrival to the authorities, and also re- 
ported the escape of Shamhaven and Peterson. The 
authorities had already heard of the capture of the 
Columbia from the Russians, and said that the 
schooner would have to remain at Nagasaki until 
the whole case could be adjusted. The Japanese 
were inclined to favor both the Richmond Import- 
ing Company and the owners of the vessel, so it was 
not likely that our friends would lose much in the 
end. In the meantime the Columbia could be put 
in a dry-dock and given the overhauling that she 
needed. 

“ We shall do all we can to locate Shamhaven 
and Peterson and get back your money/’ said an 
official of the secret service department. But his 
hands were so full with other matters of greater im- 
portance that little attention was paid to the dis- 
appearance of the two rascals. 


172 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Well, this will tie me up at Nagasaki for some 
time to come,” said Captain Ponsberry to Larry, 
on the third day after arriving at the Japanese port. 

“ Which means, I suppose, that I can join the 
Japanese navy if I wish,” returned the young sec- 
ond mate, quickly. 

“ I don’t want to force you to leave the ship, lad. 
But you said ” 

“ I know, Captain Ponsberry, and I am glad of 
the chance to get away. Luke and I have talked it 
over once more, and yesterday we met a gunner 
named Steve Colton — he served on the Brooklyn at 
the time Walter did. He is now a gun captain on 
board of Admiral Togo’s flagship, and he is almost 
certain he can get us good positions. He says gun- 
ners and gunners’ assistants are just now badly 
needed.” 

“ Then go by all means, Larry, and make even a 
bigger record for yourself than your brother Ben is 
making in the army. Perhaps, when this war is 
over, you’ll come back to the old Columbia, eh ? ” 

“ More than likely, and I guess Luke Striker will 
come, too.” 

What Larry had said about meeting Steve Colton 
was true. As readers of a story of mine entitled 
“ Fighting in Cuban Waters ” know, Colton had 
been a gun captain under Commodore Schley, and 


LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO 


173 


as such had become fairly well acquainted with 
Walter Russell and had also heard of Larry, who 
was at that time serving under Admiral Dewey at 
Manila. 

A detail from Admiral Togo’s flagship had been 
sent ashore at Nagasaki, and Larry and Luke, as 
they walked through the streets, had met several of 
these men. Hearing two of them speaking Eng- 
lish they had halted the pair; and introductions had 
followed. 

“ So you are Larry Russell,” said Steve Colton. 
‘ ’ Any relation to Walter Russell that once served on 
the U. S. Cruiser Brooklyn ?” 

“ Walter is my brother,” replied Larry, quickly. 

“ Oh, so you are the chap that was cast away in 
the Pacific and picked up by Admiral Dewey’s flag- 
ship, eh?” 

“ The same, and this is the friend who was with 
me, Luke Striker.” 

“ Glad to know ye both.” Steve Colton shook 
hands. “ This is my friend, Bob Stanford — he 
hails from San Francisco and is a gunner’s mate 
with me. What are you doing in this corner of the 
earth ? ” 

A long talk followed, in which Larry and Luke 
told their story, and Steve Colton and his friend 
^elated how they had come to join the Japanese navy. 


174 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ It’s this way/’ said Colton. “ I’ve got the fight- 
ing blood in my veins and it won’t come out. As 
soon as this war broke out, I cut sticks from 
’Frisco with Bob and we comes to Tokio. There 
I met another American who was in the navy here, 
and it wasn’t two days before we were booked for 
Admiral Togo’s flagship. We’ve been down to Port 
Arthur twice, and I reckon we’ll go again before 
long.” 

“ Perhaps we’ll go up to Vladivostok next time,” 
came from Bob Stanford. “ I’ve heard something 
of bombarding that Russian port.” / 

Colton and Stanford had a couple of hours to 
themselves and Larry and Luke invited them over 
to the Columbia . In return they were asked to come 
over to Admiral Togo’s flagship, the gunners having 
the privilege of bringing their friends aboard dur- 
ing the brief stay in Nagasaki harbor. 

“ You can come aboard to-morrow,” said Steve 
Colton. “ They have an inspection and drill, and 
you can see how they do it in the Japanese navy — 
not but what it’s a good bit like it’s done on Uncle 
Sam’s warships.” 

Larry and Luke were very willing to go aboard 
of the Japanese warship, and were taken out by Col- 
ton the next day, and introduced to several gun- 
ners and others who could speak a little English. 


LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO 


175 


They were also taken before the head gunner, who 
took them to the commander of the warship. 

“ They both served under Admiral Dewey at 
Manila,” said the head gunner, and this made the 
commander smile quietly as he shook hands and 
told them to make themselves at home. 

“ Everything is as clean as a whistle,” was Larry’s 
comment, as they walked around the forward part 
of the warship and through the gun decks. “ The 
Japs certainly know how to take care of things. 
Luke, just look at how the brasswork shines! ” 

“ That’s the way it ought to be,” was the Yankee 
tar’s reply. “ No slackness, an’ I’m glad on it. I 
love a clean ship above all things.” 

Steve Colton and Bob Stanford were enthusiastic 
over the gun they commanded and explained how it 
worked. It was certainly an effective weapon and 
Larry and Luke were thoroughly interested. 

“ I could handle sech a gun myself,” said Luke. 
“ An’ do some damage, too; eh, Larry? ” 

“ Anyway, I’d like to try it,” returned the youth. 
Orders were now being issued for the inspection 
and drill, and presently nearly all on board of the 
flagship hurried to the main deck. Here the ma- 
rines were drawn up in long lines, with the officers 
in their proper places. The sailors and gunners were 
also at hand, each togged out in his best, for inspec- 


1^6 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

tion by an admiral on any warship means a great 
deal. 

Presently Admiral Togo appeared, followed by 
several other naval officers of lesser rank. He was 
in full dress, with many decorations on his breast, 
and carried his sword. He proved to be a man well 
along in years, with a round face, and small mus- 
tache and goatee. 

“ He looks like a fighter ! ” whispered Larry. 

“ True for you, lad,” returned Luke. “ An’ I 
reckon he knows how to handle men.” 

What our friends said about Admiral Togo was 
true. He was a fighter and a born leader of men. 
When the Naval Academy of Japan was inaugurated 
he was one of the first graduates, and he was sent 
by the government to complete his nautical educa- 
tion in England, where, during 1873 an d 1874, he 
served on the training ship Worcester , making a 
record for himself as a first-class pupil in every re- 
spect. 

On returning home Togo Heihachiro — to use his 
full name — found a great task confronting his peo- 
ple. They were becoming civilized as we term 
civilization and needed a modern navy. He set to 
work with vim and vigor, and then and there laid 
the foundation of that navy which is to-day known 
as one of the most effective in the world. 


LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO 


177 


The navy had scarcely come into existence when 
there came rumors of war with China. The rumors 
grew, and China became more and more hateful 
toward the Japanese. To the outside world it 
looked as if China, with her vast territory and her 
immense number of people, would swallow up the 
sons of Nippon bodily. 

At last it was discovered that China was trans- 
porting troops with which to begin the war. Togo 
waited for no instructions from his home govern- 
ment. He went at the Chinese with vigor. The 
war followed, and after a number of thrilling con- 
tests the Japanese were victorious, and Admiral 
Togo emerged from the struggle covered with glory. 

“ He is the man to lead us to victory against the 
Russians ! ” was the cry throughout the navy, when 
war was declared between Russia and Japan, and 
how he sent his ships to Port Arthur and other 
places, and what effective work was done by them, 
has already been related. In the whole of the Japa- 
nese navy, to serve on the admiral’s flagship, the 
Mikasa, was considered a great honor. 

The inspection and drill were exceedingly interest- 
ing to Larry and Luke, and they watched both with 
close attention. After it was over Admiral Togo 
addressed the men briefly and then turned to the 
commander of the ship. 


1^8 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ See, he is pointing to us ! ” whispered Luke. 
“ Hang me if I don’t think he is talking about us to 
the captain ! ” 

“ An officer is coming/’ replied Larry, and a mo- 
ment later one of the admiral’s staff came hurrying 
to them. 

“ Are you the two Americans who served under 
Admiral Dewey at Manila?” questioned the staff 
officer. 

“ We are,” answered Larry. 

“ Admiral Togo wishes you to come to him.” 

“ Oh, Luke, we are going to be presented to the 
admiral ! ” cried Larry. 

“Great pewter!” groaned the Yankee tar. “I 
didn’t expect this nohow. But I don’t care,” he 
added, bracing up. “ He ain’t no bigger nor 
Dewey. Come along.” 

He followed the staff officer and Larry did the 
same. They felt that the eyes of many of the sailors 
and marines were on them, and stepped out as firmly 
as possible. Coming up to the admiral, they took 
off their caps and saluted. 

Admiral Togo surveyed the two Americans with 
interest. He had heard how they had come to 
serve under Dewey at Manila and he smiled pleas- 
antly as he held out his hand, first to Larry and 
then to Luke. 


LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO 179 

“ Let me give you a welcome, my men,” said he. 
“ I have been told your story. I hope this visit to 
my ship has interested you.” 

“ Very much, sir,” answered Luke. 

“ I liked the drill, sir,” answered Larry, with a 
smile. “ It was fine. And everything is so clean ! 
Really, I don’t think it could be cleaner ! ” 

At this Admiral Togo smiled again. “ That is a 
compliment, — since it comes from one who has 
served in the American navy.” 

He then asked them to remain where they were, 
while some of the men went through an exercise 
with their cutlasses. There was also a gun drill, 
and they were asked to show how they had handled 
a gun during the battle of Manila Bay. 

“ You are well drilled, I can see that,” said the 
admiral, on dismissing them. “ They tell me you 
think of entering our navy. If you wish to do so 
I think likely we can find suitable openings for you.” 


CHAPTER XXI 


LETTERS OF INTEREST 

The enlistment of Larry and Luke Striker into 
the Japanese navy came sooner than anticipated. 
A new warship was being fittted out at a harbor 
some forty miles from Nagasaki, and Steve Colton 
and Bob Stanford were transferred to this. Two 
new gun crews were badly needed on the new ship, 
and inside of forty-eight hours our friends had 
signed the muster roll and were put into training, 
under Colton. The positions occupied were those 
of gunner and gunner’s mate. 

“ Hurrah for Nippon ! ” cried Larry, enthusiasti- 
cally. “ Luke, after this we have got to learn to 
yell Banzai! in true Japanese style.” 

“ This gun is a beauty,” replied the Yankee tar, as 
he looked the piece over. “ I reckon as I can make 
her do considerable damage if I get the chance.” 

“ And I’ll help all I can,” said Larry. “ Won’t 
Ben and Gilbert be surprised when they hear of 
this? ” he added. 

“ They might know you’d do something of the 
sort.” 

180 


LETTERS OF INTEREST l8l 

“ That’s so, too. By the way, I’m going up to 
the post-office to-day and see if there are any 
letters.” 

Much to the satisfaction of our friends they found 
over a score of men on the warship who could speak 
English. Some, of course, could speak but little, 
yet they could make themselves understood. On the 
other hand, both Larry and Luke began to pick up 
the Japanese language remarkably fast. 

“ If we keep at this for six months we’ll be regu- 
lar Japanese,” said the youth. “ It’s not so hard 
as I thought it would be.” 

They found the discipline on the warship very 
strict and were called on to “ toe the mark ” con- 
tinually. Yet all the officers were as considerate as 
they were firm, so there was little of hardship. 

When Larry called at the post-office for letters he 
found two good-sized epistles awaiting him. One 
was from his brother Walter, and ran, in part, as 
follows : 

“ There is nothing particularly new in this^part 
of the globe. I am doing very well in my new 
business and it looks now as if I should make a big 
thing of it. I rather think I am more cut out for 
work on land than for life on shipboard, although 
I don’t regret the time I spent in the navy. 


1 82 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ Uncle Job is feeling very well these days and is 
building a new wing to the old house — going to put 
in a library of good books he tells me. He is as dear 
an old chap now as anybody would want for an 
uncle. 

“ I suppose you will hear from Ben and Gilbert. 
I am expecting a letter every day. It’s queer you 
didn’t go with them, but I suppose the old Columbia 
with her crew suits you better.” 

“ I am glad everything is all right at home,” 
thought Larry, as he finished reading the communi- 
cation. “ A new wing to the house, eh ? Uncle 
Job must be spreading himself. Reckon he has 
found out there is something more to live for in this 
world than mere money.” 

The second letter was from Ben, as he could tell 
by the handwriting. It had been on the way a 
long time and had been sent to half a dozen places, 
including Manila. There was a great deal about 
life in the Japanese army, and also a full description 
of the capture of Liao- Yang. Ben then continued : 

“We are now on guard a few miles outside of the 
city. Our camp stretches for many miles, and we 
are doing all in our power to strengthen our position. 
What the next move will be there is no telling. One 


LETTERS OF INTEREST 


183 


report is, that our particular command will help to 
chase the Russians to Mukden, while another report 
has it that we are to march southward, to aid in the 
attempt to take Port Arthur. 

“ I have already told you what trouble Gilbert 
had with that rascally Russian merchant, Ivan 
Snokoff, and with SnokofFs confederate, Captain 
Barusky, of the Russian army. Well, at Liao- Yang 
we found Snokoff disguised as a Chinaman, and 
Gilbert made the fellow pay over all that was coming 
to him for the Richmond Importing Company. In 
the attempt to capture Snokoff, Gilbert shot him in 
the leg. It was only a slight wound, but the Rus- 
sian was as mad as a hornet, and he vowed he would 
get square some time. He is now in the hospital 
here, but they expect to let him leave in a few days. 
He really ought to be put under arrest, but as he has 
paid up the money he owed, there doesn’t seem to 
be any way of holding him. It’s out of the question 
to go to court with the case. I helped Gilbert to put 
Snokoff under guard, and he is as angry at me as he 
is at Gilbert. I don’t know if he will dare to do 
anything or not, but both of us are keeping our eyes 
open.” 

Larry read this letter twice before he stowed it 
away. He was always interested in war news and 


1 84 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

he thought the description of the great battle of 
Liao- Yang very realistic. He shook his curly head 
when he thought of Ivan Snokoff. 

“ He must be an underhanded rascal if ever there 
was one,” he mused. “ And to think he disguised 
himself as a Chinaman ! I’ll wager Gilbert thought 
it a fine thing to expose him and make him pay up. 
But he and Ben had better look out, or Snokoff and 
that Captain Barusky may cause them a lot of 
trouble.” 

Larry had an hour to himself, and he spent the 
time in answering both letters, telling briefly what 
had happened to him since the trip to Manila and 
how he and Luke were now in service on board 
of the Japanese warship Shohirika. He added that 
he liked the position of gunner’s mate very much, and 
that he meant to make a record for himself if given 
the opportunity to do so. He also told about the 
doings of Shamhaven and Peterson, and said he 
hoped to bring them to justice, although he realized 
that looking for them was as bad as “ looking for 
a pearl on the ocean bottom.” 

The letters finished, he addressed and posted 
them, and then he and Luke took a short stroll 
through Nagasaki, past the many curious shops, and 
the fine residences. Some of the shop windows dis- 
played flaring war pictures, done in glaring colors, 


LETTERS OF INTEREST ' 1 85 

— all telling of tremendous Japanese victories on 
land and sea. 

“ They certainly believe in tooting their own 
horn,” said Larry, with a laugh over one of the pic- 
tures. “ Just see this one, Luke — one Japanese 
officer mowing down three Russians with his 
sword ! ” 

“ They ain’t no worse nor we had at home during 
the Spanish war, lad. I know one picture I see o’ a 
Rough Rider riding down half a dozen Spanish 
soldiers. An’ the truth o’ the matter is, them Rough 
Riders didn’t have no horses at all but fought on 
foot ! ” 

“ You’re right, Luke. We’ll have to put all such 
pictures down as freaks of the artist’s imagination. 
But I guess I know why some of them are put out 
— to draw the young fellows into the army and 
navy.” 

“ Right ye are. Some fellers seeing a picture like 
that want to march to glory right off, — an’ so they 
go an’ enlist. When it comes to hardtack an’ black 
coffee ” 

“ Hold on, Luke. Remember you are in Japan. 
Here it is rice and tea.” 

“ So it is, Larry. Say, but I had to laugh yester- 
day, when I see some of them jackies on board o’ our 
ship gettin’ out their teapots with tea.” 


1 86 at the fall of port Arthur 

“ It did look funny. But they do the same thing 
in the army, so I have been told. They can make 
the Japanese soldier and sailor do everything as we 
do it but give up his tea.” 

“ Well, I reckon tea is better nor rum.” 

“ Certainly it is, — and if I were an officer I’d let 
them have all the tea they wanted — if they would 
fight any better for it.” 

“ Those Russian sailors and soldiers drink an 
awful lot of vodka. I should think they would try 
to stop that. A half-drunken sailor or soldier isn’t 
of any account.” 

“ They are so used to having it, I’ve been told, 
that to stop it would bring on a regular mutiny. 
It’s hard to break off using a thing when you are 
used to it.” 

“ Right ye are, lad; a habit if it ain’t proper is 
something awful.” 

All was bustle throughout Nagasaki, for several 
regiments of soldiers had come in, bound for some 
transports which were to take them to Manchuria. 
Banners were flying everywhere, and from a dis- 
tance came the music of a band. 

“ Wonder how soon we will leave,” said Larry, 
when he and his old friend were returning to the 
warship. “ Now that we have enlisted, I’d like to 
see some fighting.” 


LETTERS OF INTEREST 


18 7 


“ Maybe we’ll get more fighting than we want, 
lad. But I’d like to get into it myself,” continued 
the Yankee gunner, with a grin. 

Two days more were spent at Nagasaki, and then, 
on a clear morning, the Shohirika left the harbor 
and steamed off in company with two sister ships. 
They were to join a squadron bound for the western 
coast of Korea, but where they were to go after that 
there was no telling. 

Captain Ponsberry came to see Larry and Luke 
off. “ Take good care of yourselves,” said the mas- 
ter of the Columbia. “ An’ teach them Russians the 
lesson they deserve.” 

“We expect to do our duty,” answered Larry. 

Life on the Japanese warship proved to be very 
much like life in the American navy. There were 
hours set apart for various drills and exercises. 
Each day they had to go through the movements of 
handling the gun, fighting with cutlasses, putting 
out a fire, and manning the small boats. They also 
had to keep their ditty bags and grass hammocks 
in good order, also their eating utensils, and each 
had to do his share of cleaning up. Twice a week 
the ship’s surgeon examined each man, to see that 
he was perfectly healthy. 

“ I like this keeping things clean,” said Larry. 
“ It is bound to make for good health.” 


1 88 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ They tell me that Japanese sailors and soldiers 
are among the healthiest in the world,” answered 
Luke. 

In a few days the southern point of Korea was 
passed and the bow of the warship was pointed 
toward the eastern coast of Manchuria. They were 
now getting close to the battleground and the look- 
out was constantly watching for the appearance of 
the ships of the enemy. 

“ We’ll have a fight before very long — I can feel 
it in my bones,” declared Larry. And he was right ; 
but before telling of that contest, and what sur- 
prising results it led to, we shall have to tell of some- 
thing else which occurred, to delight Larry ex- 
ceedingly. 


CHAPTER XXII 


A MEETING AND A PLOT 

“ Some Japanese transports are coming up,” said 
Larry, two days later. “ Six of them, and they are 
crowded to the rails with soldiers.” 

“ I reckon we are to act as an escort to them,” 
replied Luke. “ They would need an escort, if they 
fell in with a Russian cruiser or two.” 

The Japanese transports were bound for the coast 
of Manchuria, to land near the village of Petaka. 
Soon they fell in behind the Shohirika; and then 
those on the warship knew that they were going 
to go close to shore, if not to make an actual landing. 

A fog came up that night, which made the trans- 
ports hold off. But the next day was as bright and 
clear as before, and about noon land was sighted to 
the westward. A patrol boat was sent ahead and 
came back stating that all was clear for a landing. 
Then the warships went closer and the transports 
followed. 

On the following day Larry found himself on 
shore — having been taken along by one of the offi- 
189 


I go AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

cers of the ship to interview an English merchant 
who wished to sell some goods to the Japanese. 
The officer could speak some English, but wanted 
somebody along who could help him out in case he 
could not make himself clearly understood. 

The landing was at a small Chinese town which 
was partly in ashes — the Russians having tried to 
burn it down before leaving. There were a dozen 
shops, but all were closed and with the windows 
boarded up. Many of the Chinese had fled to the 
country beyond; and a Japanese regiment was on 
guard to preserve order and to keep the Chunchuses, 
(Chinese brigands) from looting the place. 

“ This shows what war will do,” thought Larry, 
as he walked along beside the Japanese naval officer. 
“ I suppose some of the Chinese have lost all they 
possessed — and through no fault of their own 
either.” 

The business with the English merchant was trans- 
acted quicker than anticipated, and, not caring to 
go back to his ship at once, the naval officer visited 
the camp of the Japanese regiment, taking Larry 
with him. 

“ We expect another detachment here this after- 
noon,” said one of the regimental commanders to 
the naval officer. “ They are to escort a powder 
train through the mountains.” 


A MEETING AND A PLOT I9I 

A little while later the detachment came in on foot, 
looking somewhat tired and dusty from a long tramp 
through an exceedingly rough country. As the sol- 
diers came to a halt in the public square of the 
seaport village, Larry uttered a cry of amaze- 
ment : 

“ Ben ! ” 

“ Why, Larry, can it be you ? ” came in a tone 
of astonishment, and on the instant Ben Russell 
rushed forward and caught his brother by the hands. 
“ I must be dreaming ! ” 

“ I guess I’m dreaming myself ! ” said Larry, and 
gave his brother a warm hug. “ This beats the 
Dutch! I thought you were at Liao- Yang. How 
are you and how did you get here? ” 

“ One question at a time, please,” returned Ben, 
with a happy smile. “ I’m pretty well, although I 
had a little dose of fever a couple of weeks ago. Our 
Japanese doctor fixed me up in double-quick time. 
Our command was ordered down here to look after 
a powder train. There was a report that either the 
Russians or the Chunchuses were going to try to 
capture it or blow it up. Now, how have you been, 
and what are you doing here? I thought the old 
Columbia was at Nagasaki.” 

“ You want to know as much as I do, Ben.” 
There was a pause and both laughed merrily, they 


192 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

felt so happy. “ I'm as sound as a fiddle. The 
Columbia is at Nagasaki and likely to stay there 
for some time. Allow me to, introduce myself, 
Lawrence Russell, gunner’s mate aboard of the 
Mikado’s cruiser Shohirika. My head gunner is 
Luke Striker, Esquire.” 

“ Never ! ” burst from Ben. “ Well, this cer- 
tainly is news. So you and Luke enlisted? Have 
you had any fighting? ” 

“ Not exactly. But we have seen some rough 
times,” answered Larry, and then, as soon as Ben 
could get away for a quiet half-hour, he related his 
story in detail, just as I have set it down in these 
pages. 

“ You are assuredly a lucky chap, Larry, not to 
be in a Russian prison this minute,” said his brother, 
after the young sailor had finished. 

“ Perhaps I am lucky, Ben. But it wasn’t much 
of luck to have that Shamhaven and Peterson walk 
off with my money belt.” 

“ That is so, but as the amount taken wasn’t a for- 
tune I shouldn’t worry about it. I can let you have 
any money you need.” 

“ I don’t need any, and, besides, Luke is acting as 
my banker. But now tell me about yourself.” 

“ There isn’t very much to tell, outside of what 
I put down in that letter you received. As you 


A MEETING AND A PLOT 193 

know, Gilbert and I are both attached to this com- 
mand of Major Okopa.” 

“ Where is Gilbert now ? ” 

“ His company was to bring up the rear. They’ll 
be here very shortly. Since the battle of Liao- 
Yang we have been on special duty, looking after 
the pack and powder trains, and have seen very 
little of fighting. We are reinforcing our lines 
daily, and I think the Russians must be doing the 
same. I expect some more heavy fighting soon, un- 
less winter steps in and puts a stop to everything. 
The nights are already rather cool,” added Ben. 

It was half an hour later that the company under 
Gilbert came in, having in their custody two Chinese 
bandits that had tried to steal four horses belonging 
to two Japanese army carts. 

“ So it’s really you, Larry ! ” cried the young 
Southerner, as he shook hands. “ I’m mightily glad 
to see you and see you looking so well. I suppose 
Ben has told you all the news.” 

“ Yes, and Larry has been telling some too,” put 
in Ben. “ He has seen almost as much of the Rus- 
sians as we have.” And then Larry’s story had to 
be told again. 

“ I don’t know where we shall go after we leave 
here,” said the young sailor. “ Are you going back 
to Liao- Yang?” 


194 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ We don’t know that either. Our orders are to 
escort the powder train wherever it may be sent,” 
said Ben. 

For two days the Japanese warship remained in 
the harbor of the seaport village and during that 
time Larry managed to see quite a good deal of Ben 
and Gilbert. He wished he could take them on 
board of the cruiser, but this was not permitted. 

On the third day the Shohirika received orders 
from a dispatch boat which steamed into the harbor, 
and an hour later the anchors were hove apeak and 
she steamed away, carrying Larry and his old Yan- 
kee friend along. Ben and Gilbert stood on a dock 
watching her departure. They waved their hand- 
kerchiefs at Larry and he waved his own in return. 

“ I wonder when I’ll see Larry again,” mused 
Ben. He felt rather sober at the parting from his 
younger brother. 

“ Oh, you’ll see him again before long,” answered 
Gilbert, trying to be cheerful. 

“ Maybe not. It all depends upon where that 
cruiser sails to. She may go half around the 
world.” 

“ More than likely she has been sent to take part 
in the bombardment of Port Arthur.” 

“ Do you really think we’ll be sent to Port 
Arthur, Gilbert? ” 


A MEETING AND A PLOT 


195 


“ It is not unlikely, Ben.” 

The pair watched the cruiser fade away in the 
distance, and then returned to that part of the 
village in which Major Okopa’s command had been 
located. 

“ By the way,” said Gilbert, as they hurried along. 
“ There is one thing I forgot to tell you. Meeting 
Larry drove it completely out of my mind. On the 
way to this village we stopped at a place called 
Wikelipe, and there I met, whom do you suppose? ” 

“ I don’t know, I’m sure.” 

“ That rascal Ivan Snokoff. He was at his same 
old tricks — selling things to the inhabitants at ex- 
orbitant prices. When he saw me he shook his fist 
at me and my men and then ran away and hid.” 

“ Why didn’t you root him out, Gilbert ? ” 

“What good would it have done? Besides, I 
didn’t have time. The fight with the brigands made 
us lose three hours. But do you know, I think 
Snokoff has it in for me.” 

“ Yes, and in for me, too,” added Ben. “ He 
hasn’t forgotten how I brought along the guard that 
placed him under temporary arrest.” 

There was no time to say more, for the command 
was to move in half an hour and both of the young 
captains had to round up their men for that purpose. 
The powder train was at rest outside of the village 


I96 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

and the men were scattered here, there, and every- 
where. 

Evening found the command to which Ben and 
Gilbert belonged ten miles on their way through the 
mountains. Only the officer in charge of the pow- 
der train knew the destination of the precious stores. 
The train consisted of eighteen carts, each pulled by 
four horses. 

Although none in Major Okopa's command knew 
it, the train was followed by a Chinaman named Kee 
Lung, who lived in Wikelipe, the place where Gilbert 
had seen Ivan Snokoff. Kee Lung was well known 
to Ivan Snokoff and had been asked by the rascally 
Russian to keep his eyes on Gilbert and on Ben and 
to report their movements. He had watched Gil- 
bert's meeting with Ben and Larry and heard some- 
thing of what was said and had thus managed to 
make out that two of the party were brothers. 

As the powder train approached Wikelipe, Kee 
Lung went ahead to find Ivan Snokoff. This was 
not difficult, as he knew exactly where the latter was 
hiding. A conference lasting an hour ensued. 

“ Do as you have promised and you shall have 
fifty yen ” said Ivan Snokoff. 

“ You will not fail to pay? ” queried Kee Lung. 

“ By the heads of my ancestors I promise it,” was 
the rascally Russian's answer. 


A MEETING AND A PLOT 


197 


“ ’Tis enough. I shall do as I have promised/’ 
returned the Chinaman. And he bowed himself 
from Ivan SnokofFs presence. Left to himself, the 
rascally Russian rubbed his hands gleefully. 

“ Ha, I trust he is successful ! ” he muttered to 
himself. “ Once Pennington and Russell are in the 
power of us Russians I shall show them what it 
means to insult and degrade a Snokoff ! ” 


CHAPTER XXIII 


THE ATTACK IN THE DARK 

Two days later Gilbert and Ben were seated in 
their tent talking about the meeting with Larry 
when one of the guards came in and saluted. 

“ A messenger to see Captain Russell and Captain 
Pennington,” said the guard. 

“ Show him in,” returned Ben, briefly, thinking 
it was a simple message about camp duties. He was 
rather surprised when a Chinaman entered, bowing 
low as he did so. 

“ Dis Clabtain Lussell ? ” asked the newcomer. 

“ That is my name.” 

“ Dis Clabtain Plennington? ” 

“ Yes,” answered Gilbert. 

“ Sailor man send Chung Wow,” went on the 
Chinaman. “ Sailor man want see bloth.” He 
pointed to the two young captains. “ Sailor man 
say he blother you.” And now he pointed at Ben 
alone. 

“ Said he was my brother ? ” cried the young cap- 
tain. 


THE ATTACK IN THE DARK 


I 99 


The messenger nodded. “ Name allee same 
Larry Lussell.” 

“ Gracious me ! ” ejaculated Ben. “ Gilbert, what 
can this mean? I thought Larry sailed away on 
that warship.” 

“ So did I. But she may be back in port.” 

“ Sailor man hurt.” The Chinaman pointed to 
his side. “ Sick — he shot — say you dome to- 
night.” 

“ Sick ? shot ? ” repeated Ben, and a cold chill 
went down his backbone. “ That is the worst yet. 
Where is he? ” 

“ Big walk down by the sea. Chung Wow show. 
But must pay — Chung Wow poor people.” 

“ Oh, I’ll pay you,” answered Ben, hurriedly. 
** Gilbert, do you think I can get away? ” 

“ Sailor man say bloth dome,” put in the mes- 
senger. 

“ Something is wrong, that is certain,” came from 
Gilbert. He eyed the Chinaman closely. “ There 
is no mistake about this ? ” 

At this Chung Wow shrugged his lean shoulders 
and looked blank. 

“ No see mistakee. See sailor mans.” 

“ I guess he is all right,” put in Ben. “ Some- 
thing has happened to poor Larry. I wonder if I 
can get away at once ? ” 


200 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Let us see the major about this.” 

Ben hurried off and caught Major Okopa in his 
own tent. As the command was not to move until 
noon of the next day both readily obtained permis- 
sion to absent themselves until that time. 

“ But be careful,” said the major. “ This may be 
some Chinese trick.” 

“ We’ll be on our guard,” answered Ben. 

The Chinese messenger had come in on foot. He 
said he was hungry and was given something to eat. 
Then the three set off, the messenger carrying a 
knapsack filled with rations, and each of the young 
captains carrying his sword and his pistol. They 
tried to learn from Chung Wow how far they would 
have to travel, but the Chinaman either could not or 
would not inform them. 

“ Perhaps it might have been as well to have taken 
a detachment of one company along,” suggested Gil- 
bert. “ I must say, I don’t like the looks of this.” 
They were now a good mile away from camp, and in 
a location that appeared lonely enough. 

“ Well, we are moving down to the seacoast,” 
returned Ben. He was taking careful note of the 
direction they were pursuing. 

After that they journeyed along for a good two 
hours without saying much. They stepped along 
briskly, for Ben wanted to learn just what had hap- 


THE ATTACK IN THE DARK 


201 


pened to his brother. For all he knew to the con- 
trary, Larry might be mortally wounded. 

Presently they came to a spot in the road where 
there were a number of dense trees. Chung Wow 
began to cough loudly. 

“What’s the matter?” demanded Gilbert. For 
some reason he did not trust the Chinaman. 

“ Slomthing fly in float,” was the answer, and 
Chung Wow coughed again. Then he walked 
on, and they came behind him. But Gilbert 
drew his pistol and motioned for Ben to do the 
same. 

“ I may be mistaken, but we may be walking into 
a trap,” he whispered. 

“ Why, Gilbert, I don’t ” began Ben, when 

without warning a heavy object dropped upon his 
head from the limb of one of the trees and bore him 
to the ground. Another object dropped on Gilbert, 
but he squirmed from under, — to find himself con- 
fronted by several Chunchuses. A cry went up, 
and a crashing was heard in the bushes back of the 
trees. 

“A trick, Ben, just as I suspected!” ejaculated 
the young Southerner, and he discharged his pistol 
point-blank at the Chinese bandit in front of him. 
This done he made a leap to one side, hurling over 
Chung Wow as he did so, and darted forward into 


202 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


some bushes. A shot was aimed at him, but did no 
injury, and he kept on, running as hard as he 
could. 

In the meantime Ben did his best to get up. But 
one man was on his shoulders and another had him 
by the legs, so to move was next to impossible. 
Then, as he continued to struggle, he received a 
heavy kick from a wooden shoe which stretched him 
out like a log. 

“ He is out of the fight now,” said one of the 
Chunchuses, as he bent over Ben. “ Go after the 
other. Do not let him escape if you can help it. 
Americans are worth a good deal to us in these 
days ! ” 

Three of the brigands remained to guard Ben and 
the others made after Gilbert. But they could not 
catch the young Southerner, and after a long chase 
they came back. 

“ He has gone back to his camp,” said one of the 
Chunchuses to his chief. “ He will have his friends 
about our ears very shortly.” 

As soon as this news was received, Ben’s hands 
and feet were bound, and four of the Chinamen 
caught him up as if he were a dead animal and 
hoisted him on their shoulders. Off they set at a 
dog-trot, with the remaining brigands around them. 

It was the jogging over the rough mountainous 


THE ATTACK IN THE DARK 


203 


road which finally brought the young capfcain to his 
senses. At first he did not realize that he was on 
the move. 

“ Gilbert ! ” he called faintly. “ Gilbert ! ” 

Nobody answered him, and now he essayed to sit 
up. He could not budge and consequently began to 
struggle. 

“ Be still ! ” cried one of the Chunchuses, in 
Chinese. 

“ Where am I ? What are you doing to me ? ” 
queried Ben. 

For answer he received a good shaking and was 
then dumped on the ground. His feet were lib- 
erated, and the chief of the Chinese brigands ordered 
him to move along, pointing the end of his sword at 
the prisoner as he did so. 

“ Where is my friend ? ” asked Ben. 

“ He is dead,” said the chief, laconically. 

“ Dead ! ” burst out the young captain. His 
heart seemed to become like a lump of lead. Gil- 
bert, his own true chum, dead ! It was too horrible 
to believe. 

“ Yes, and you will be unless you walk on,” added 
the chief of the Chunchuses. 

There was no help for it, and, bruised and bleed- 
ing, thd young captain took up the march, with his 
enemies on all sides of him. The gait was a rapid 


204 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


one, and before they came to a halt once more he 
was all but exhausted. 

“ Where are you taking me? ” he asked. 

“ Wait and see.” The chief of the Chunchuses 
grinned wickedly. “ I shall have to trouble you for 
your valuables,” he went on, in his native tongue, 
and without further ado stripped Ben of his posses- 
sions, including his watch, money, ring, and sword. 

There was no use protesting, and therefore the 
young captain did not attempt it. He was marched 
along a marshy path, and presently came in sight of 
the ocean and a small bay, where two sailing ships 
and a small steamer lay at anchor. 

A shrill whistle sounded out, and this was 
answered by somebody on the steamer. Then a 
small boat put in to shore, carrying four sailors and 
an officer. As soon as the officer landed, he was 
called aside by the chief of the Chunchuses, and a 
conference lasting several minutes followed. 

“ It shall be as you say, Ching Fee,” said the offi- 
cer, in Russian. “ It is too bad you did not get the 
other, too. I know Ivan Snokoff, and Captain 
Barusky too, and there will be money in this. Yes, 
I’ll take him on board at once. You had better 
watch out that the soldiers do not get after you.” 

“ Trust Ching Fee to take care of himself,” said 
the chief of the Chunchuses. 


THE ATTACK IN THE DARK 


205 


With scant ceremony Ben was conducted to the 
small boat and told to get in. He asked where they 
were going to take him, but could get no satisfaction. 
As soon as the steamer was reached, he was con- 
ducted to an empty stateroom and locked in. 

“ This is the worst yet ! ” he muttered, as he sat 
down. “ I suppose they intend to carry me miles 
and miles away. Poor Gilbert ! I never thought he 
would be killed in such a fashion as this! What 
cutthroats these Chinese brigands are ! It's a won- 
der they didn’t kill me too! Can that story about 
Larry be true ? ” 

There was a little water in the stateroom, and as 
his hands had been released, Ben bathed his wounds 
and bound them up as best he could. He heard the 
steamer move away from the shore, and soon the 
steady pounding of the engines proved that she was 
forging ahead at her best rate of speed. 

He was a prisoner of the enemy, and what they 
were going to do with him was a question still to be 
answered. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


THE DEFENSE OF THE POWDER TRAIN 

After firing on the Chinese brigands as already 
described, Gilbert plunged into the brushwood which 
was not over half a dozen yards distant. He heard 
the shots discharged at him in return, but fortunately 
every one went wide of its mark. 

Once in the brushwood he did not stop, but con- 
tinued on his way for several rods. Then he 
paused, wondering if Ben was anywhere in the vi- 
cinity. 

“ I hope they didn’t kill him,” he murmured. 
“ What a trap that was, and how easily we walked 
into it ! ” 

He waited and listened, but nobody came near 
him. Then, with caution, he pushed ahead, until 
he gained once more the road leading back to the 
temporary camp occupied by the powder train and 
the detachment guarding it. Following this, he ran 
on at full speed until the welcome camp-fires greeted 
him. 

“ Major Okopa, we have been attacked by Chun- 
206 


THE DEFENSE OF THE 'POWDER TRAIN 207 

chuses ! ” he exclaimed, as he rushed up to the offi- 
cer’s quarters. And in a brief manner he explained 
the situation so far as he knew it. 

The Japanese major had taken a strong liking to 
Gilbert and Ben, and he lost no time in ordering out 
a company to round up the Chinese brigands if they 
could be located. It was Gilbert’s own command 
and he was given permission to remain out the whole 
night and the next day if necessary. 

The young Southerner went at the task with 
vigor, for he realized that every moment was 
precious. He explained the situation to his men, 
and they set off at double-quick to where the attack 
had been made. 

As was to be expected, the spot was deserted. By 
torchlight they saw the evidences of the struggle 
which had taken place. In one spot was a pool of 
blood, left by the brigand whom Gilbert had shot in 
the shoulder. 

“ They went off in this direction,” said one of the 
soldiers, who was good at tracing footsteps. He 
pointed to a side road, and along this they ran, keep- 
ing eyes and ears on the alert, so as to avoid any- 
thing in the nature of a surprise. 

Two hours later the company found itself on the 
seashore. But Chunchuses and vessels were gone 
and to where it was impossible to find out. But on 


208 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


the beach Gilbert picked up an empty pocketbook 
which he knew was Ben's property. 

“ They brought him here most likely," he said. 
“ See, here are the marks of a rowboat, and of many 
feet. They have gone off on the water." 

“ Then the hunt is at a standstill," returned his 
second in command. 

The young captain was unwilling to believe this, 
and the remainder of the night, and the next fore- 
noon, were spent in an eager search after the 
enemy. But it was useless ; and at last Gilbert, 
sick at heart, ordered his men to return to the 
camp. 

On the following day the powder train moved 
onward once more. The first lieutenant of Ben’s 
company took command of the body, and Ben was 
marked “ missing " on the roll. 

“ It is certainly too bad, and I sympathize with 
you, Captain Pennington," said Major Okopa. 
“ Captain Russell is a fine fellow." 

“ It takes all the vigor out of me," replied Gilbert. 
“ Ben and I were like two brothers." 

But Gilbert was given no time in which to grieve 
over Ben’s disappearance. Two days later, the 
powder train was attacked by a detachment of the 
Russians, who seemed to spring out of the very 
ground. One of the wagons loaded with powder 


THE DEFENSE OF THE POWDER TRAIN 20g 

was blown to atoms, killing two horses and three 
soldiers. 

“Banzai!” cried the Japanese, and when the 
order was given they attacked the enemy with 
vigor. It was a hot fight, lasting half an hour, and 
the Russians were driven among some high hills, 
backed up by several mountains. 

As the powder train had to go through one of the 
mountain passes so close at hand, the soldiers were 
sent ahead, to clear the way of all Russians that 
might appear. This was dangerous work, for the 
enemy had the advantage of the higher position. 
But the Japanese were undaunted, and rushed up one 
slope after another with a vigor and animation that 
was surprising. 

“ Can't hold them back, when once they get 
started," said Gilbert, to the major. “ They are 
like our Southern bloodhounds, when once they 
strike the scent." 

“ And that is the way to win victory," answered 
Major Okopa. 

Not long after this Gilbert found himself at the 
foot of a steep hill with his company. At the top 
of the hill were a number of great bowlders and 
behind these some of the Russians were in hiding, 
sending down a spiteful fire whenever the opportu- 
nity presented itself. 


210 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ We must dislodge those fellows,” said Major 
Okopa. “ It is very dangerous work. Do you 
think you can accomplish it, Captain Penning- 
ton ?” 

“ I can try,” answered Gilbert, modestly, and 
ordered his company forward. He turned them 
slightly to the left, for here a fringe of thin brush- 
wood offered a shelter that was not great, but much 
better than none. 

“ Major Okopa expects us to take this hill,” he 
said, in the best Japanese he could muster. “ Let 
us do our best ! ” 

" Banzai! ” came the rallying cry from the men, 
and up the slope they rushed, with Gilbert at their 
side. Crack ! crack ! went the rifles of the Russians, 
and then, without warning, several shells were sent 
up. One man of Gilbert’s company was killed and 
two wounded, but they did not waver. Passing the 
brushwood, they ran out boldly on the slope above 
them. 

Many of the rocks at the top of the hill were loose, 
and as the Japanese came closer, the enemy began to 
send them down in a shower which was highly 
dangerous to those below. 

“ Beware of the stones ! ” cried Gilbert. 

He had hardly spoken when he saw that he would 
have to look after his own safety. The Russians 


THE DEFENSE OF THE POWDER TRAIN 21 1 


were working over a rock that weighed several 
hundreds of pounds. 

All at once the mass broke loose. There was a 
yell of delight from above, and then the big bowlder 
came rolling straight for Gilbert. Had it touched 
him he must surely have been crushed to death. 

But the young Southerner was as cool as he was 
quick. Pausing to make certain which way the 
big stone was coming down, he made a quick leap 
in the opposite direction. Then the bowlder went 
bounding past him, to crash into some small trees 
at the bottom of the hill. 

“ Are you hurt, captain ? ” asked his lieuten- 
ant. 

“ No,” answered Gilbert. Then he leaped to the 
front once more. “Come!” he cried. “Banzai! 
Forward for the Mikado ! ” And on the whole 
company went as before, firing rapidly as they did 
so. The Russians clung to the hilltop a few min- 
utes longer, and then, as the first of the Japanese 
gained a footing there, they broke and fled in wild 
disorder down the other side of the hill, and into the 
woods to the northward. The Japanese pursued 
them for two hours but could not catch them, and 
at last the chase was abandoned. In this skirmish, 
called the battle of Po-yang-ling, the Japanese lost 
in killed and wounded four men, and the Russians 


212 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


seven. Three of the Czar’s soldiers were also taken 
prisoners. 

After that the powder train had no more difficulty, 
and four days later reached its destination, which 
was the village of Fanshen, where the Japanese had 
established something of a base of supplies for that 
portion of the army which was moving southward 
to join in the siege of Port Arthur. At Fanshen, 
Major Okopa’s command received orders to go into 
camp instead of returning to the vicinity of Liao- 
Yang. 

“ This looks to me as if we were to be trans- 
ferred to the army in the south,” said the major, 
after communicating the news to Gilbert. 

“ Well, I shouldn’t mind helping to take Port 
Arthur,” returned the young Southerner. “ If you 
will remember, it was my treatment by the Rus- 
sians at that place which caused me to take up arms 
against them.” 

“ So you said before, Captain Pennington. But 
do not imagine that the taking of Port Arthur will 
be easy. The Russians have fortified it in every 
possible manner.” 

“ Yes, — they were doing that before I came away 
from there.” 

“ For months they have been strengthening their 
fortifications, and getting in ammunition and supplies 


THE DEFENSE OF THE POWDER TRAIN 213 

in secret. Their chain of forts extend, so I have 
been told, for twenty miles and more outside of the 
city, and being in a mountainous country, they will 
be hard to reduce.” 

“ Don’t you think we can capture the place ? ” de- 
manded Gilbert. 

“ Capture it ? Most assuredly, captain. But it 
will mean a great destruction of life,” returned 
Major Okopa, gravely. 

What the major said about the Russians fortify- 
ing Port Arthur was true. Lieutenant-General 
Stoessel, the Russian commander at that place, had 
under him sixty thousand men, the very flower of 
the Russian army. On the side of the sea the town 
was fortified at a dozen points, only three of which 
had been thus far captured under the Japanese army 
led by General Nogi. To the northward and the 
westward were some twenty defenses, set among 
the mountains where they were next to impossible to 
reach. 

In a work of this kind, it is impossible to relate 
in detail all of the many battles fought over the 
possession of Port Arthur. The first assault was 
made in February by Admiral Togo’s fleet, and the 
naval conflict was kept up for almost three months 
after that. In the meantime a Japanese army under 
General Oku landed at Pitsewo, and after several 


214 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


battles at Kinchow and Nanshan Hill, drove the 
Russians back to their mountain defenses and took 
possession of the railroad running to Liao- Yang 
and Mukden. Thus Port Arthur was cut off from 
almost all communication with the outside world. 


CHAPTER XXV 


BOMBARDING A PORT ARTHUR FORT 

Larry felt very happy after having met Ben and 
Gilbert. He had been afraid he should find that his 
brother or his friend was wounded, even though no 
mention of such an occurrence had been made in the 
letter he had received. He knew from experience 
that Ben was in the habit of making light of things 
that went wrong. 

“ I suppose it did your heart good to meet ’em 
both,” said Luke, after the warship was on the way. 

“ You’re right, Luke; it was a regular touch of 
old times.” 

“ Wish I had seen ’em myself.” 

“ Both wanted to be remembered to you.” Larry 
paused for a moment. “ By the way, I wonder 
where we are bound now ? ” 

“ Can’t say as to that, lad — secret orders, I 
reckon,” answered the old tar. 

The order to sail was evidently an important one, 
for scarcely was the Shohirika out of sight of land 
than all steam was crowded on. The lookouts were 


215 


21 6 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


also doubled, and when night came the strictest 
watch possible was maintained. 

Yet, with it all, several days passed without any- 
thing out of the ordinary happening. Drills and 
exercises went on as before, and both Larry and 
Luke made themselves familiar with all parts of the 
warship. Both spent much time in familiarizing 
themselves with such orders as were given to them 
in Japanese, so that they might not be too “ green,” 
as Larry termed it, if put to the test. 

During those days spent on shipboard matters 
concerning the great war were moving forward 
steadily. In the vicinity of Liao- Yang both the 
Japanese and the Russians made several movements 
to better their positions. This brought on a few 
skirmishes and one heavy battle, in which the losses 
were several hundreds on each side. There was also 
an advance on the outer forts of Port Arthur, and 
a fair-sized hill was captured by the Mikado’s men, 
who, however held the place only at an enormous 
loss of life. In moving on the port the Japanese 
found they would have to do a great amount of tun- 
neling and entrenching, all of which consumed time. 

On the ocean the two nations were equally active. 
Both took several prizes of war, and in an encounter 
with the Vladivostok squadron a Russian warship 
was hopelessly disabled and a Japanese cruiser was 


BOMBARDING A PORT ARTHUR FORT 


217 


all but sunk. Another ship belonging to Admiral 
Togo’s fleet struck a mine outside of Port Arthur 
and had to be sent back to Japan for repairs. 

So far the weather had been warm, but autumn 
was now at hand and before long the nights became 
cold and raw. 

“ This war won’t be finished this winter,” said 
more than one. “ We are in for another year of it, 
sure.” 

The Shohirika had been summoned to join the 
fleet patrolling before Port Arthur. Two days be- 
fore that station was reached they fell in with a 
sister ship which brought the news of an encounter 
with a Russian battleship carrying some troops from 
Siberia. Both warships had suffered and become 
separated in the darkness. 

“ This war is certainly warming up,” said 
Larry. “ I hope we see some fighting before it 
is over.” 

“ Maybe we’ll see more of it than you wish,” said 
Luke, grimly. 

“ Don’t you worry — we’ll see a whole lot,” put in 
Steve Colton, who was sitting on a ditty chest, play- 
ing checkers with Bob Stanford. “ Just wait till we 
get under Admiral Togo’s eye — he’ll make us be up 
and doing.” 

The chance to see some of the war came the next 


218 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


day, when they were ordered to bombard one of the 
forts to the north of Port Arthur proper. As soon 
as they came within four miles of the fort they re- 
ceived a reception which was as warm as it was ex- 
citing. 

“ Now, here is where we show what we can do ! ” 
cried Luke, as the orders came to begin firing, and 
the whole gun company jumped in to assist him. 
The magazines were opened up, the windlasses set 
to work, and soon the first real shell — not a mere 
blank for practicing — came up and was run into the 
gun. Then the breech-block was swung to and 
locked, the electric connection set, and Luke sighted 
the piece with care, after having first received the 
proper distance from the range-finders in the tops. 
As soon as the “ sight ” was “ covered ” the button 
was pressed, and bang! went the gun with a con- 
cussion that shook the whole ship. Other guns 
followed in rapid succession, until Larry had to stuff 
cotton in his ears to keep himself from becoming 
deaf. As soon as the gun was discharged, it was 
opened to let the gases out and then cleaned with 
wet swabs and flushed with running water to cool the 
barrel. 

The bombardment lasted for an hour, and during 
that time the fort was hit in a dozen places. Sand, 
dirt, and rocks flew in all directions, and once there 


BOMBARDING A PORT ARTHUR FORT 2ig 

came a flash which told of an explosion of a quan- 
tity of powder. 

“ If we could only hit the magazine it would be 
good-by to that fort,” said Larry, but this was not 
to be. 

After the first few shots the fort had remained 
silent, but now, when the Shohirika was about to 
retire, the gunners opened up once more, and a rain 
of shot and shell flew all around the warship. One 
struck the bow of the vessel, tearing off a few feet 
of the forward deck and another entered the for- 
ward turret, killing one of the gunner’s assist- 
ants. 

“ We can be thankful we weren’t in that turret,” 
said Luke, when he received the latter news. 

“ Yes, indeed! ” murmured Larry, and could not 
repress a shiver. “ I can tell you, it’s mighty risky 
work after all ! ” he added, soberly. 

“ Well, we’ve got one advantage over those fel- 
lows,” put in Colton, after the firing had come to an 
end, and the warship was fast getting out of range. 
“ We can run away, while they have got to stay right 
where they are.” 

“ Oh, they can run away too,” said Larry. 

“ Not unless they abandon their fort, — and 
that would be just as if we should abandon our 
ship.” 


220 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


The work at the gun had been severe, and after 
the bombardment was over Larry was glad to clean 
up and take a rest. The perspiration, grime, and 
smoke had made him look like a negro, and he used 
up several buckets of water before he got himself 
into as cleanly a condition as was habitual with him. 
Luke also took a “ scrubbing down,” as he called it, 
and so did the others. 

What amazed Larry more than anything was the 
quietness of the Japanese sailors. Now that the 
bombardment was ended they said scarcely a word 
about it, but went on exactly as before. 

“ They are the most matter-of-fact chaps I ever 
saw ! ” he declared. “ I believe if the ship blew up 
they would say ‘ Very sorry ’ and swim away. Now 
on one of Uncle Sam’s ships the men would be all 
woke up and out for a jollification. Ben says it’s 
the same way in the army. If they get excited 
at all they always seem to be sorry for it after- 
wards ! ” 

“ That’s what ye call a characteristic o’ the race, 
I reckon,” returned Luke. “ They’re taught to act 
that way from babyhood. It ain’t polite nor high- 
toned to git excited. The only thing they kin yell is 
Banzai! an’ they let thet out loud enough, goodness 
knows ! ” 

“ I can’t understand why we didn’t keep at that 


BOMBARDING A PORT ARTHUR FORT 


221 


fort,” came from Colton. “ I was just getting the 
range beautifully when orders came to shut down.” 

“ Well, there must be a reason for it, Steve,” an- 
swered Luke. 

There was a reason for it. Admiral Togo had 
just received word that certain ships of the Port 
Arthur squadron were going to make an attempt to 
break out of the harbor, either that night or the next 
day. Consequently the Shohirika was needed fur- 
ther down the coast, and steamed away in that direc- 
tion as rapidly as her somewhat limited supply of 
coal permitted. 

“ I don’t think the navy will ever find its way into 
Port Arthur harbor,” said Larry, later on, after 
studying a map of that locality. “ There are too 
many forts on the hills outside of the town. They 
could smash our ships to smithereens if we got too 
close.” 

“ Trust Admiral Togo to know what he is doing,” 
answered Steve Colton. “ He won’t go too close. 
At the same time he ain’t going to let the Russian 
ships get away any more than Schley and Sampson 
let Admiral Cervera get away from Santiago Har- 
bor in Cuba.” 

“ It’s the army that will make Port Arthur a hot 
place to live in,” came from Bob Stanford. They 
can entrench and thus gain a little ground day by 


222 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


day, and as soon as they win some high point, like 
say 203-Meter Hill, it will be all up with General 
Stoessel, mark my words.” 

The night to follow proved to be misty, and so 
cold that the majority of the sailors were glad to 
don their heavy pea jackets. Fearing that the enemy 
would try to take advantage of the weather, Admiral 
Togo turned on all the searchlights his fleet pos- 
sessed, and these were flashed in all directions. 

“ False alarm,” said Luke, after midnight had 
sounded out on the ship’s bell. “ Reckon the Rus- 
sians don’t dare to come out.” 

But the old Yankee tar was mistaken. The enemy 
were on the alert, and at three o’clock, when the 
mist was extra heavy, the movement to steal out 
of Port Arthur harbor was begun, two torpedo 
destroyers taking the lead, and several cruisers fol- 
lowing. This brought on a heavy sea-fight lasting 
far into the next day, and one which came close to 
cost Larry his life. 


CHAPTER XXVI 


BEN MEETS CAPTAIN BARUSKY 

For several days poor Ben remained a prisoner 
aboard of the small steamer. During that time only 
two men came near him — an under officer and the 
sailor who supplied him with food and water. 
Neither would answer his questions, so he could not 
learn where he was being taken or what was to be 
done with him. 

One evening there was a slight commotion on the 
deck, and the course of the steamer was changed. 
Then came a blowing of steam whistles lasting sev- 
eral minutes. Finally the steamer came to a stand- 
still. 

“ You are to leave this vessel at once/’ said the 
under officer, as he opened the door of the young 
captain’s temporary prison. “ Come, we have no 
time to spare.” 

“ Where am I to go ? ” questioned Ben. 

“ You will soon learn. Hurry ! ” 

There was no help for it, and soon Ben was on 
deck. He was made to enter a small boat and was 


223 


224 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


thus transferred to another steamer — one which had 
formerly been in the East Indian trade but which 
was now acting as a Russian supply boat. 

“ What a dirty craft ! ” was his mental comment, 
after having been thrust into a pen which was little 
better than a horse stall. The supply boat was 
loaded to its fullest capacity, so quarters for all on 
board were limited. 

Two days passed and he received food which was 
scarcely fit to eat. When he protested he was threat- 
ended with a flogging. The air was foul and he 
began to fear that he would become sick. 

“ I won’t be able to stand this much longer,” he 
thought, dismally. “ If they want to kill me why 
don’t they do it at once and have done with 
it?” 

On the following morning a surprise awaited him. 
He heard two Russian officers pause in front of his 
pen and one said to the other: 

“ Here is the prisoner, Captain Barusky.” 

“ Is it the fellow named Russell ? ” was the ques- 
tion from Captain Barusky, the rascal who had aided 
Ivan Snokoff to make so much trouble for Gilbert 
Pennington. 

“ The same.” 

“ They did not capture his friend ? ” 

“ No — in the struggle he slipped away.” 


BEN MEETS CAPTAIN BARUSKY 


225 


“ I am sorry for that. We wanted Pennington 
more than we did this fellow.* But I am glad we 
got at least one of them. As I understand it they 
work hand-in-glove with each other ; ” and then the 
two Russian officers passed on. 

Like a flash Ben realized the truth of the situation. 
His taking off had been a trap set by Snokoff and 
this Captain Barusky, who had hired the Chunchuses 
to help work out their plot. He was now in the 
hands of the enemy in more ways than one. 

“ They won’t treat me as an ordinary prisoner,” 
he reasoned. “ This Captain Barusky will make it 
as hard as possible for me — more especially so as 
Gilbert managed to escape his clutches. Well, I am 
glad Gilbert got away.” 

Resolved to “ take the bull by the horns,” Ben 
asked the prison guard if he might speak to Captain 
Barusky. 

“ I will see about it,” answered the sailor, and 
went off to find out. On his return he stated that 
the captain would visit the pen some time during the 
day. 

The Russian officer came late in the afternoon, 
when nobody else was near the pen. There was a 
sarcastic look on his face when he gazed at the young 
captain. 

“ So you want to talk to me,” he said, abruptly. 


226 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ I do, Captain Barusky. I want to know why 
this plot was laid against me.” 

“ I know of no plot. You are an American in 
the employ of the Japanese Government as a 
spy. Russia captures all the Japanese spies she 
can. ,, 

“ I am no spy.” 

The Russian shrugged his shoulders. “ That is 
what your friend, Captain Pennington, once told me, 
too. Yet as soon as he got out of Port Arthur he 
was made a captain in the Mikado’s army.” 

“ He applied for the position because the Russians 
had mistreated him and because he loves active ser- 
vice.” 

“ Have it as you please, Russell ; both of you are 
spies, and you will have to suffer as one.” 

“ Where are you taking me? ” 

“ Since you seem so anxious to know, I will tell 
you, for I do not think you will be able to take the 
news to the Japanese. This boat is carrying sup- 
plies to Port Arthur.” 

“ Port Arthur ! ” 

“ That is what I said. When we arrive there 
you will be placed in one of the strongest of our 
prisons at the port. Do you not admire the pros- 
pect ? ” 

“ Well, if you take me to Port Arthur, perhaps I 


BEN MEETS CAPTAIN BARUSKY 


227 


shan’t be a prisoner long,” replied Ben, resolved to 
put on as bold a front as possible. 

“ And why not ? ” demanded Captain Barusky, 
curiously. 

“ Because our army and our navy are bound to 
capture the place.” 

“ Bah ! The Japanese will never take Port Ar- 
thur. It is absurd to think of it.” 

“ It may not come right away — but it will come 
sooner or later.” 

“ Never! But if it should, you will not be there 
to enjoy our downfall. Remember that spies are 
tried, and if found guilty they are taken out and 
shot.” 

“ You cannot prove that I am a spy.” 

“ That remains to be seen.” 

“ If you bring me before the court I’ll have some- 
thing to say about your underhanded work with 
Ivan Snokoff. I can prove that he is a swindler 
and that you are his accomplice.” 

“ Ha ! you threaten me ! ” roared Captain Barusky, 
in a rage. “ Have a care ! I come from a most 
respectable family and I have great influence.” 

“ Nevertheless, I think those who are higher in 
authority than yourself will listen to my story. The 
Russian army officers are as a rule gentlemen and 
strictly honest.” 


228 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ Which means to say that I am not a gentleman 
and not honest ! ” bellowed Captain Barusky. 
“ That, for your opinion ! ” And reaching out he 
gave Ben a ringing box on the ear. 

It was the last straw. With no fresh air and no 
food fit to eat, the young captain was desperate, and 
leaping forward he struck at the Russian captain’s 
nose. His fist went true, and as Barusky staggered 
back against the pen door the blood spurted from his 
nasal organ. 

" Don’t you dare to hit me again ! ” panted Ben, 
standing before the Russian with both hands 
clenched. “ Don’t you dare — or you’ll get the worst 
of it!” 

His manner made Captain Barusky cower back, 
and he glared at Ben with the ferocity of a wild 
beast. Then he called to the guard. 

“ Run for aid, Petrovitch,” he said. “ The pris- 
oner has attacked me. He is a beast, and must be 
chained up.” 

The man addressed summoned three other sailors 
and the captain of the ship’s guard. All came into 
the pen and forced Ben into a corner. 

“ The Yankee dog ! ” said the captain of the 
guard. “ To dare to strike a Russian officer ! 
Bring the chains at once ! ” 

Chains were brought, and soon Ben was bound 


BEN MEETS CAPTAIN BARUSKY 


229 


hands and feet, with links that weighed several 
pounds. Then a large staple was driven into one of 
the uprights of the pen and he was fastened to this 
with a padlock. 

“ Now place him on half-rations/' said Captain 
Barusky. “ It is the only way to tame him.” And 
then he hurried away to bathe his nose, which was 
swelling rapidly. 

If Ben had been miserable before he was doubly so 
now. The chains were cumbersome and cut into his 
flesh, and being fastened to the upright he could 
scarcely move a foot either way. To add to his 
misery the front of the pen was boarded over, so 
that what little light had been admitted to his prison 
was cut off. 

In this wretched condition he passed a full week. 
In that time Captain Barusky came to peep in at him 
three times, and on each occasion tried to say some- 
thing to make him still more dispirited. The food 
was so bad he could not eat and the air often made 
his head ache as if it would crack open. 

“ If this is a sample of Russian prison life it , s a 
wonder all the prisoners don’t go mad,” he reasoned. 
“ A few months of this would surely kill me.” 

At the end of the week Ben heard firing at a dis- 
tance. The supply boat was now trying to steal 
into Port Arthur and had been discovered by a 


230 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


Japanese patrol boat. The craft was struck twice 
and the prisoner below heard a wild commotion on 
the deck, as one of the funnels was carried away. 
But darkness favored the Russians, and inside of 
two hours the supply boat passed into Port Arthur 
harbor without sustaining further damage. She 
was then directed to a proper anchorage by the har- 
bor master; and on the following day the transfer 
of her cargo to the storehouses on shore was 
begun. 

For several days longer Ben was kept on the boat. 
Then, one wet and cold morning, he was liberated 
and told to march on deck. From the vessel he was 
taken to a big stone building which was being used as 
one of the garrison quarters. Here he was given a 
scant hearing in the presence of Captain Barusky, 
who appeared against him. 

“We have no time to investigate your case at 
present, Captain Russell,” said the officer who con- 
ducted the examination. “ But from reports I 
should surmise that you are a dangerous young man. 
You must remain a prisoner.” And then the young 
captain was taken away. Later on, he was marched 
a distance of half a mile and blindfolded. When 
the bandage was removed from his eyes, he found 
himself in an old stone building, dirty and neglected. 
He was taken to a small room, having a grated win- 


BEN MEETS CAPTAIN BARUSKY 


231 


dow, and thrust inside. Six other prisoners were 
put into the apartment with him, one man with a 
hacking cough, dreadful to hear. The door was 
closed and barred ; and all were left to take care of 
themselves as best they could. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


A FIERCE BATTLE AT SEA 

Larry was taking a nap when the call came to 
clear the ship for action. It had been discovered 
that the Russian fleet was trying to escape from 
Port Arthur harbor, and the news was flashed from 
vessel to vessel of Admiral Togo’s fleet, and all were 
ordered to prevent the movement at any cost. 

“ Now I reckon we are in fer it!” .ejaculated 
Luke, as he and the youth rushed over to their gun. 
“ Larry, it’s in my mind we have some tall work cut 
out fer us this trip ! ” 

“ Let it come — I am in just the humor for fight- 
ing ! ” cried Larry. “ I hope we can smash them 
just as we smashed the Spanish ships in Manila 
Bay.” 

Sailors and gunners were hurrying in all direc- 
tions, and orders were coming in rapid succession. 
At first the Russian ships had turned in one direc- 
tion, now they were turning in another, and, later 
still, they separated. A distant firing could already 
232 


A FIERCE BATTLE AT SEA 


233 


be heard, but where it came from those on the Sho- 
hirika could not tell. 

So far no ships of the enemy could be seen with 
the naked eye. The lookouts kept a close watch, 
and the flashlights continued to play all over the 
bosom of the rolling sea. 

It was almost daylight when a distant explosion 
was heard. A Russian torpedo boat had run into a 
mine and was so badly damaged that she sank inside 
of ten minutes, carrying a large part of her crew 
with her. 

This disaster proved a warning to the other Rus- 
sian ships and they proceeded on their courses with 
added caution. The Japanese warships were equally 
on the alert, yet, just as the sun came up, one brushed 
against a mine and received such damage that she 
was practically put out of the contest. 

“ There is one of the enemy’s ships ! ” was the cry, 
as the mist swept away as if by magic and the sun 
came out strongly. “ Now is our chance. Banzai! ” 

“ And there is another ship ! ” came a moment 
later, “ and one of our own pounding her as if she 
was a witch ! ” 

Guns were now booming over the water con- 
stantly, and from the forts on shore came shots and 
shells in rapid succession. Soon the Shohirika was 
in the midst of the battle, and then Luke and Larry 


234 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


worked over the gun as never before, doing their 
full share towards disabling the ship that was trying 
to escape up the Manchurian coast. 

For over an hour the running fire kept up. 
Neither ship dared to put on full speed, for fear 
of running into a mine. Solid shot was hurled in 
all directions, and the Shohirika received one below 
the water line which for the moment looked as if it 
might sink the craft. But the ship’s carpenter and 
his crew got at the leak immediately, driving in a 
wedge which quickly stopped the flow of water. 

It was hard, exhausting work between decks, and 
at the end of an hour Larry felt he must have some 
fresh air. Both he and Luke applied for permission 
to go on deck, and this permission was readily 
granted, for the guns on their side of the warship 
were not then in use. 

On the deck of the Shohirika they could see what 
this battle really meant. Dirt and debris were to be 
seen in many places, and half a dozen sailors and 
marines had been killed or wounded. Everybody 
was bathed in perspiration and grime, and some of 
those who worked the big guns were panting like 
dogs after a chase. 

“ It’s work, that’s what it is,” said Luke, running 
the perspiration from his begrimed forehead with 
his finger. “ Ain’t no child’s play about it ! ” 


A FIERCE BATTLE AT SEA 


235 


“ And dangerous work at that,” added Larry. 
He gave a look toward the enemy’s ships. “ I de- 
clare, Luke, I believe they are running back to Port 
Arthur harbor ! ” 

“ I think the same, lad,” responded the Yankee 
gunner. “ Reckon they are findin’ it is goin’ to 
cost too much to get away. As soon as they get 
away from them land batteries we can pound ’em 
for keeps and they know it.” 

“ And get away from the mines. That’s the 
worst with fighting around here — you don’t know 
how soon you’ll hit a mine and be blown up.” 

“ Oh, I reckon our captain is watching out fer 
them pesky things.” 

Larry was interested in watching the sharp- 
shooters and range-finders in the tops, and he walked 
across the deck to get a better look at them. Luke 
followed, and as he did so, one of the nearest of the 
Russian ships sent out a roaring broadside at the 
Shohirika which raked her fore and aft and sent 
another hole through her side, but this time above the 
water line where it did scant damage. 

“ Gee Christopher ! ” began Luke, when he 
chanced to glance upward. “ Larry, look out ! ” he 
screamed. “ The top’s coming down on ye ! ” 

Luke was right. One of the shots from the enemy 
had struck the foremast, above the fighting top, and 


236 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


it was crashing down, carrying a portion of the ship’s 
flag with it. One end struck the gun turret, and 
then the wreckage hit Larry on the shoulder, hurling 
him on his back. 

The foremast was heavy and had it struck the 
youth before landing on the turret and the sur- 
rounding works it might have killed the young 
gunner’s mate on the spot. As it was, Larry lay like 
a log where he had fallen and when Luke raised 
him up the old tar found him unconscious. 

“ If he ain’t got his shoulder broke then I miss 
my guess,” muttered the Yankee gunner. “ Larry ! 
Larry ! Can’t ye speak to me ? ” 

“ That was a nasty one,” came from one of the 
officers of the deck. “ Better carry him below.” 
And then the officer gave orders to remove the 
wreckage and hoist the flag once more. 

With the unconscious youth in his arms, Luke 
hurried below and to the sick bay of the warship. 
Here the surgeon got to work immediately and 
examined Larry thoroughly. 

“ No bones broken,” he announced. “ But the 
bruise is severe and he is suffering from shock. He 
will soon come to his senses.” 

Luke had to return to his gun, for duty is duty in 
the navy, regardless of what is happening around 
one. It was true, the Russian warships were now 


A FIERCE BATTLE AT SEA 


237 


doing their best to sneak back into Port Arthur har- 
bor and Admiral Togo wanted to do all the damage 
possible before the forts made it impossible to follow 
them further. All of the warships’ guns were 
worked to their utmost, and when the Russian ves- 
sels did get back they were so badly crippled that 
they were of small consequence for future fighting 
until undergoing repairs. 

When Larry opened his eyes again he found him- 
self lying on a clean white cot in the ship’s hospital 
with an attendant standing over him bathing his 
face. 

“ Oh ! ” he murmured and stared around him. 
“ Oh, my shoulder ! That was a fearful crack I 
got ! ” 

The attendant did not understand, but smiled 
blandly and continued to bathe his face and also his 
head. Soon the full realization of what had hap- 
pened came to the young gunner’s mate. Then he 
asked about Luke. 

The fighting was at an end and presently Luke 
came to him, to find Larry sitting up in a chair. 

“ I feel stiff and sore all over, Luke,” said the 
youth. “ It was just as if a house came down on 
me.” 

“ Thank fortune you wasn’t killed, or didn’t have 
your bones broken,” returned the Yankee gunner. 


238 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ I am thankful. Were you hurt? ” 

“ Not in the least.” 

“ What about the fight ? ” 

“ The Russians have sneaked back into the harbor 
like a lot of whipped dogs.” 

“ What is our ship doing? ” 

“ Putting up the coast. I don't know where we 
are going,” answered Luke. 

Larry remained in the ship’s hospital for three 
days and then resumed his duties as before. His 
shoulder still felt stiff and sore and lifting anything 
was a good deal of labor. But Luke favored him, 
so he got along very well. 

A week passed and the Shohirika remained at sea, 
moving in a wide circle, on the lookout for Russian 
warships or supply boats. But none were encoun- 
tered, and then the cruiser was ordered to escort a 
transport filled with soldiers bound for the front. 

The transport landed at a point some miles north 
of Dalny and the troops went ashore without delay. 
They were bound for the railroad, and were to par- 
ticipate in the advance upon Port Arthur from that 
point. 

As the warship remained in the harbor several 
days, both Luke and Larry were allowed a short run 
on shore. They enjoyed this trip very much, until, 
much to their surprise, they learned that Major 


A FIERCE BATTLE AT SEA 


239 


Okopa’s command was in the vicinity. Then they 
hunted this up, to learn the sad news from Gilbert 
that Ben was missing. 

“ Missing!” ejaculated Larry, in horror. 
“Taken by Chunchuses! Oh, Gilbert, this is 
dreadful ! ” 

“ Well, I don’t know as you feel any worse than I 
do, Larry,” answered Gilbert. “ It makes me wild 
to think of it.” 

“ But couldn’t you find any trace of him at all ? ” 

“ Not the slightest, although I think he was 
carried off in a boat.” 

“ But why should the Chinese brigands make 
him a prisoner ? ” 

“ I’m sure I don’t know, excepting to hold him 
for a ransom. But if they intended to do that it is 
likely we should have heard from them before this.” 

The matter was discussed as long as Larry and 
Luke could remain on shore. But nothing came of 
it, and with a heavy heart the young gunner’s mate 
returned to his place on the warship. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR 

After the fruitless effort to escape from Port 
Arthur harbor the Russian warships “ bottled up ” 
there remained where they were for a long time to 
come. Occasionally one or another attempted to 
run the blockade, but results were usually disastrous, 
and at last the risk became so great nothing more 
was done in that direction. The Japanese continued 
to put down mines and sank several boats loaded 
with stone in or near the winding channel, and this 
made getting in as hard as getting out — thus putting 
a stop to the arrival of more supply boats, such as 
brought Ben to the seaport. 

In the meantime the campaign on land was pushed 
forward with increased activity. The headquarters 
of the Japanese army investing Port Arthur was not 
far from the railroad, but the lines stretched many 
miles to the east and the west. Troops were hurried 
both from Japan and from the divisions near Liao- 
Yang, and heavy siege guns were mounted on every 
available hilltop. The Japanese were, at the start, 


240 


THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR 


24I 


at a great disadvantage — they could not see the 
enemy at which they were firing. Hills and moun- 
tains cut them off from every view of the port. But 
they kept hammering away, day after day, week 
after week, and month after month, gaining steadily, 
throwing up new intrenchments, digging new tun- 
nels, and hauling their heavy guns forward to more 
advantageous positions. The labor was body rack- 
ing and the sacrifice of life enormous. But the 
Mikado’s soldiers did not appear to care. They had 
set out to capture Port Arthur and they were going 
to do it. 

For the foot-soldiers and for the cavalry there 
was at the start but little to do in the way of fighting. 
Most of the time was spent in digging trenches and 
tunnels, and in keeping out of the way of shells that 
whistled and screamed in all directions — shells 
weighing hundreds of pounds, which, when they 
struck, tore up the ground for yards around and 
smashed the rocks as if the latter were passing 
through a quartz crusher. Such is war of modern 
times, when carried on at a distance of miles. 

But as the months went by, and Japanese and 
Russians came closer to each other, hand-to-hand 
conflicts became numerous. The Russians contested 
every foot of the ground, fighting with a courage 
that was truly heroic, and sacrificing themselves 


242 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


freely for the Czar and the country they loved. The 
hand-to-hand conflicts became bloody in the extreme, 
thousands upon thousands being slaughtered be- 
tween the rising and the setting of the sun. 

From the seacoast the command to which Gilbert 
was attached moved to a small place called Fugi 
Klan. Here they went into camp for several weeks 
and while there were joined by a number of other 
commands, including that containing those old sol- 
diers of fortune, Dan Casey and Carl Stummer, who 
had served with Gilbert and Ben in Cuba and in the 
Philippines. 

“ Py chiminy, of it ton’t done mine heart goot to 
see you, cabtain ! ” exclaimed Carl Stummer, rush- 
ing up and giving Gilbert a handshake. “ How you 
peen, annavay?” 

“ First rate, Stummer. And how are you, 
Casey? ” 

“ Sure an’ it’s meself is as foine as a fiddle,” 
answered the Irishman, with a broad grin on his 
freckled face. “ It's a great war, ain’t it now ? 
Both soides is fightin’ like a pair o’ Kilkenny cats, so 
they are! An’ where is me ould friend, Captain 
Russell?” 

“ He was captured by Chunchuses.” 

“ No! ” came from both Stummer and Casey, and 
then they poured in a volley of questions which were 


THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR 


243 


bewildering. Gilbert answered them as best he 
could. 

“ Dot’s der vorst ding vot I hear yet alretty ! ” said 
Carl Stummer, with a sad shake of his head. “ I 
vish I got dem Chunchusers — or vot you call dem — 
here. I fix ’em, eh, Tan? ” 

Dan Casey nodded vigorously. “ Sure an’ we’d 
be after puttin’ a ball through ivery mother’s son 
of ’em, so we would ! Poor Ben Russell ! I loiked 
him loike a brother ! ” And the honest Irish sharp- 
shooter heaved a long sigh. 

Both Casey and Stummer had been having easy 
times of it for several weeks, but now they were 
called upon to go forth with pick and shovel, to do 
their share of work in digging intrenchments. This 
was not so nice, but they went at the labor without 
a murmur. 

“ Sure an’ we might as well git into practice,” ob- 
served Casey, as he started in with vigor. “ Whin 
the war’s over an’ we git back to the States, it may 
be ourselves as will be workin’ fer the corporation in 
New York or ilsewhere! ” 

“ Yah, udder puttin’ town railroad dracks alretty 
in der Vest,” answered Carl Stummer. “ Dot is,” he 
added, “ of I ton’t got money enough to puy a farm.” 

“ ’Tis a stock farm I’m wantin’,” came from 
Casey. “ Wid horses galore. There’s money for 


244 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


ye, Carl ! ” And he went to work with added vigor 
— as if he expected to turn up the stock farm from 
the soil beneath him. 

To Gilbert, even though he occasionally saw 
Stummer and Casey, the days were very lonely. He 
missed Ben greatly, and each day wondered if he 
would ever see his old war chum again. Major 
Okopa saw this and did what he could to cheer up 
the young officer. 

“ He may turn up before you realize it,” said the 
major. “ I don’t think he was killed.” 

“If he is alive, it is very strange that we do not 
hear from him.” 

Two days later came a batch of letters into camp, 
written, or rather painted, for the most part, on thin 
Japanese paper. Among the communications were 
two for Gilbert, one from Captain Ponsberry con- 
cerning the Columbia and her cargo, and the other 
from a stranger in Pekin, China. 

“ Who can be writing to me from Pekin, China ? ” 
mused the young captain, and began to read the com- 
munication with interest. It was from a Chinese 
merchant, and ran in part as follows : 

“ You will be mystified to receive this from an 
utter stranger, but I deem it my duty, kind sir, to 
send this word to you. 


THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR 


245 


“ Know, then, that one Ken Gow, a servant of my 
family, was in Port Arthur up to sixteen days ago — 
first a servant in an American family there, and next 
a prisoner in the vilest prison man ever saw, guarded 
by dogs of Russians unworthy to be used as door 
mats. Ken Gow is a faithful man, the flower of all 
my help. 

“ It is needless to explain to you why my servant 
was thus ill-treated. But you must know that when 
in prison he met your great friend Captain Benjamin 
Russell, and it was the captain who saved Ken Gow 
from many hard blows from the other prisoners, 
who wanted not a Chinaman amongst them. 

“ Ken Gow was grateful, even as I am grateful, 
and he promised to get word to you of this matter 
if the Russians granted him his liberty. Finding no 
fault in my servant he was, after a time, liberated, 
and watching his chance, left Port Arthur and came 
home. 

“ Kind sir, he is grateful to Captain Russell and 
would do much for him if he could. Yet his most 
is to send this letter to you, telling you that Captain 
Russell is alive and held in a Port Arthur prison 
as a spy. One Russian hates him — his name, Cap- 
tain Barusky, — and it would appear that this Rus- 
sian is also your enemy, so beware of him. 

“ I can tell no more. Ken Gow is sick from his 


246 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

treatment at the hands of the Russian dogs. Accept 
this miserable assurance of my eternal friendship, 
and esteem for one I know must be high and 
illustrious. 

“ Cheng Mo.” 

Gilbert read the letter several times and showed it 
to Major Okopa. It was written in true Chinese 
style, with a big Chinese seal attached, and was, 
beyond all doubt, genuine. 

“ I can't understand one thing,” said the young 
captain. “ How did Ben get to Port Arthur ? ” 

“ It may be that this Captain Barusky had him 
taken there, Captain Pennington.” 

“ I thought Captain Barusky was at Mukden.” 

“ The Russians have been taking in some troops 
at Port Arthur on the sly. Despite Admiral Togo’s 
efforts, some supply boats and transports have passed 
his ships.” 

“ If Barusky is there he will do what he can to 
make Ben miserable. He is down on both of us — 
for he knows we are down on him and Ivan Sno- 
koff.” 

“ Do you think Snokoff could have anything to do 
with this ? ” 

“ I’m sure I don’t know. Anything is possible. 
Snokoff would be glad to make trouble for Ben — 


THE SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR 


247 


since he helped me to make him settle up at Liao- 
Yang. Those Chunchuses tried to capture both of 
us.” 

The matter was talked over for half an hour, but 
brought forth no satisfaction. To Gilbert’s mind, 
being held by the Russians as a spy was as bad as 
being in the hands of the Chinese brigands. 

“ I wish we could get into Port Arthur at once,” 
he said, finally. “ I shouldn’t like anything better 
than to capture this Captain Barusky and liberate 
Ben.” 

“We are bound to get into the port sooner or 
later,” answered Major Okopa. “ They are bring- 
ing up more siege guns every day. If the Russians 
won’t give up we’ll batter the whole town down over 
their heads.” 

“ Which will be a bad thing for Ben,” rejoined 
Gilbert. “ I don’t want him killed in the attempt 
to rescue him.” 


CHAPTER XXIX 

% 

FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 

“ Where is this going to end? ” 

It was Ben who asked himself the question, as he 
walked up and down the narrow cell in which he had 
been confined in the prison at Port Arthur. 

What had been written to Gilbert in the letter from 
Pekin had been substantially correct. Ben had aided 
Ken Gow in numerous ways, and for this the China- 
man had been extremely grateful and had promised 
to do all he could for the young captain should he 
manage to escape from the blockaded seaport. Then 
Ken Gow had disappeared one night, and that was 
the last Ben saw of him. 

Three days later a guard entered the prison and 
announced that the prisoners were to be transferred 
to other quarters. With his hands bound behind 
him, Ben was marched forth through a side street of 
Port Arthur, where stood an old building which had 
formerly been used as a market. Cells had been 
built in this structure, and into one of these he was 
thrust, the guard sarcastically telling him to make 
himself as comfortable as possible. 

248 


FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 249 

The young captain was sick in both body and 
mind and fast reaching that point where one becomes 
desperate and fit for any deed of daring. More than 
once he was tempted to throw himself on the guard 
in an endeavor to overpower the fellow and escape. 
But he realized that if caught at this he would be 
immediately shot down. 

Day after day passed, and from outside the pris- 
oner heard the dull booming of cannon. Occa- 
sionally a shell would explode close to the prison, 
causing a wild yell of alarm and a general rush by 
those outside. There were flags over the prisons 
and over the hospitals, showing what manner of 
places they were, but, as said before, the Japanese 
were at a loss to see what they were firing at, so 
many shots and shells went where they were not in- 
tended. These mishaps were what caused the re- 
port to circulate that the Mikado’s men were not 
fighting according to the rules of modern warfare, 
but were doing their best to shatter the hospitals in 
which lay their own and the Russian wounded. 

It was a cold, raw day, with a touch of snow in 
the air, and Ben felt one of his desperate moods 
coming over him. His hands and feet were free 
and he peered forth from the one narrow window 
that the cell contained. All he could see beyond was 
a courtyard, surrounded by a stone wall. 


250 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ I wish I was out there — I’d get over that wall 
somehow ! ” he muttered to himself. 

The cell window was not over fifteen or sixteen 
inches wide and twice that in height. The bars were 
of iron, but set in wooden frames but a few inches 
in thickness. 

“ A fellow might smash out those bars with the 
bench end,” he thought. “ But after that what? I 
reckon the guard in the courtyard would shoot me 
on sight. I might try it at night.” 

Still in a desperate mood, Ben picked up the bench, 
a solid affair several feet long. He made an imag- 
inary lunge at the window bars with it. 

“ I’ll wager I could knock them out with one blow. 
They ” 

Ben got no further, for at the moment a fearful 
explosion sounded somewhere overhead. The ex- 
plosion was followed by a crash and a wild yell of 
alarm. A Japanese shell had struck the top of the 
building, tearing away fully a quarter of the roof 
and sending the bricks and timbers flying in all direc- 
tions. 

“ Now is my chance ! ” he muttered, and without 
stopping to think twice he rammed the window bars 
as hard as he could with the bench. A second and 
third blow followed, and down went the irons, carry- 
ing a portion of the window frame with them. 


FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 25 1 

Then through the opening leaped the young captain. 
As he landed in the courtyard, he picked up a small 
log of wood lying handy. 

A glance around told him that the guard was no- 
where in sight, the Russian having run to the other 
side of the building to note the damage done by the 
shell. Log in hand, Ben leaped quickly across the 
courtyard and placed the bit of wood up against the 
wall. This gave him a footing, and in a twinkling 
he was on top of the wall. 

But though he acted quickly a guard from the 
prison building saw him and ran forth gun in hand. 

“ Halt ! ” came the command, in Russian, and 
then, raising his weapon, the guard fired at Ben. 

The bullet whistled over the young captain’s head, 
and without looking back to see who had fired it, he 
dropped on the other side of the wall. Then he 
sprinted up the street and around a corner. 

Ben knew not where to go, but his one thought 
was to put distance between himself and the prison, 
and he hurried on and on, until he came to a barn 
which stood open. Into this he darted, to find the 
building empty of occupants. 

The Japanese had begun a general bombardment 
of Port Arthur and shot and shells were flying in 
all directions. This being the case, the majority of 
the troops and the inhabitants were out of sight, — • 

* 


252 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


hid away in cellars and dugouts. Nobody paid any 
attention to him and he was thus given ample time 
in which to think matters over and decide upon his 
next movement. 

From the barn Ben moved to the building next 
door — which was a sort of dwelling and storehouse 
combined. Here, from the wide open doorway, he 
gazed at the scene of destruction before him. It 
was full of horror and made him shiver. 

“ War is certainly a terrible thing,” he thought. 
He saw some people running for their lives, and 
beheld one man go down struck in the back by a 
shell. Then he turned away to shut out the sight. 

In one room of the warehouse he found an old 
overcoat and a slouch hat, and lost no time in don- 
ning these, both as a disguise and to keep himself 
warm. Then he hunted around for something to 
eat, but could not find a mouthful. 

“ I might have known there would be no food 
squandered,” he told himself. “ Didn’t they say at 
the prison that they were slaughtering the horses 
just for the meat, and that butter and eggs were 
worth their weight in gold? I’ll be lucky to get 
bread and soup — especially as I haven’t a dollar with 
which to pay for a meal.” 

Ben was about to leave the warehouse when he 
saw a file of Russian soldiers approaching. With 


FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 253 

the soldiers were two officers, and as they came closer 
he recognized one as Captain Barusky. 

“ It was a bad thing to let that American escape,” 
said the captain to the other officer. “ If you catch 
sight of him, shoot him on the spot.” 

“ Which we shall do with pleasure,” was the ready 
answer; and then officers and soldiers passed on. 

“ I’ve got to keep out of sight, that’s all there is 
to that,” reasoned Ben, grimly. “ If they catch me 
again it’s all up with me. I wonder if it would be 
possible to get out of Port Arthur ? Gilbert got out, 
but things weren’t half so closely guarded as they 
are now.” 

Ben waited until nightfall before leaving the ware- 
house. Then, keeping a constant lookout for Rus- 
sian soldiers, he sneaked along one street after 
another. Where to go he did not know, but he 
realized that he must have something to eat or he 
would starve. 

Presently he came to a small garden in the center 
of which was a neat-looking residence. On the door- 
plate was the name Nathan Chase. 

“ Nathan Chase!” Ben cried, half aloud. “I 
wonder if that can be the gentleman Gilbert knew? 
If it is perhaps he will aid me.” 

At first the young captain thought to ring the 
doorbell, but fearful of meeting the wrong person 


254 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


he resolved to investigate in a more private manner. 
The side windows of the residence were curtained, 
but the curtains were only partly down. Going to 
one of the windows he peered inside. 

In a neatly furnished sitting room sat a young 
lady and a Russian soldier. They were arguing 
about something — money matters as far as Ben 
could make out. The young lady did not wish to 
give the soldier the money and he insisted upon 
having it. While Ben gazed at the scene, the Rus- 
sian soldier leaped up, grasped the young lady by the 
shoulders and shook her roughly. 

“ Don’t ! ” screamed the young lady, in English. 
“ Let me go!” 

“ I want the money ! ” answered the soldier, in his 
native tongue. He was a Cossack and of brutal 
features. 

The young lady was pretty and she was helpless, 
and this combination was more than the young cap- 
tain could resist. Regardless of consequences, he 
shoved up the window and leaped inside the apart- 
ment. 

“ Keep your hands off of that young lady ! ” he 
cried, and catching the Cossack by the shoulder he 
threw him backward. “ Don’t you know how to 
treat a lady when you meet her, you big brute ? ” 

The Cossack was startled, first because he had not 


FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 255 

expected the interruption and secondly because he 
had no business to be in the mansion. He gave one 
look at Ben and then rushed out into the hallway and 
left the premises with all possible speed. 

As soon as the Cossack was gone the young lady 
and Ben stared at each other. She started to speak, 
but stopped suddenly. 

“ Excuse me for coming in as I did, but I thought 
it was necessary,” said the young captain. “ I guess 
that fellow had no business here.” 

“ You are right, sir. Papa is away, and he 
wanted me to give him money. He must have 
known I was alone in the house.” 

“ Are you Miss Chase? ” 

“ I am. But you have the advantage of me.” 

“ I know it. I am Captain Benjamin Russell. 
Perhaps you know an old friend of mine, Gilbert 
Pennington. He knows your father, I believe.” 

“ Oh, yes, I have met Captain Pennington. 
They tell me he is now in the Japanese army.” 

“ He is.” Ben paused and looked at the young 
lady keenly. “ Miss Chase, can I trust you ? ” he 
asked, abruptly. 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ I will tell you,” and in a few brief words he 
related his story, to which Grace Chase listened with 
close attention. 


256 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ You were lucky to escape from that prison ! ” she 
cried, when he had finished. “ To be sure I will 
assist you as far as I can. Papa is away on busi- 
ness, but I expect him back in two or three hours. 
We haven’t much on hand to eat, but such as there is 
you are welcome to.” 

“ I’m hungry enough to eat anything,” said Ben, 
with a little smile. 

“ Then come with me to the dining room, Captain 
Russell, and I will prepare supper.” 

“ You haven’t any servants now, I suppose? ” 

“ No; every one of them has deserted us.” 

They entered the dining room, and the young lady 
asked Ben to close the shutters. While he was doing 
this she prepared such a meal as the larder of the 
house afforded. It was not much, but he did not 
complain, and he thanked her warmly for giving 
what he felt she could ill afford to set before him. 

The meal finished, they sat down to await the 
coming of Mr. Chase. While doing this Ben related 
some of his experiences in the army and the young 
lady told of the horrors of the siege. 

“ One cannot understand it unless you are in the 
midst of it,” she said. “ Papa says business is at a 
standstill, the hospitals are filled with the sick and the 
wounded, and we are in constant dread that the next 
moment will be our last. The suspense is so great 


FROM ONE DIFFICULTY TO ANOTHER 257 

that in one or two cases the inhabitants have gone 
crazy.” 

“ I can well believe that, Miss Chase. During the 

war in the Philippines I saw ” 

Ben paused, as a heavy footstep sounded on the 
porch of the residence. Other footsteps followed, 
and then came a loud knock on the door. 

“ Open here ! ” demanded a voice in Russian. 
“ Open, in the name of the Czar ! ” 


CHAPTER XXX 


A SURPRISE FOR LARRY 

As the days passed, the watch upon Port Arthur 
from the sea became closer and closer. Admiral 
Togo gave strict orders that no ships should be 
allowed to enter or come from the harbor under any 
circumstances, and each commander of a warship 
was on his mettle, knowing full well that if he was 
derelict in his duty he would speedily hear from his 
superior in a manner far from pleasant. 

Blockading became something of a monotony to 
Larry and Luke, and after several weeks had passed 
both wished something would happen. 

“ I’d rather put up with a stiff sea fight than this,” 
declared the young gunner’s mate. 

“ Right ye are, lad,” replied the old Yankee tar. 
“ Ain’t no use o’ bein’ ready for a tussle if it ain’t 
cornin’. As it now is, life in the navy ain’t no more 
excitin’ nor life on the old Columbia” 

During that time Larry received a letter from 
Captain Ponsberry, similar in contents to that sent 
to Gilbert. The Japanese Government had released 
258 


A SURPRISE FOR LARRY 


259 


the cargo of the schooner and then bought the same 
at a good round price. The ship had also been re- 
leased, Captain Ponsberry having to pay a nominal 
sum for this action. 

“ I think the captain is lucky to get off so easily/’ 
said Larry. “ I suppose the Japanese Government 
might have scooped in everything.” 

“ Well, the Japs think it best to remain friendly 
to the United States,” answered Luke, and it 
is likely that the old sailor was more than half 
right. 

Cold weather had come in earnest and work on 
deck was far from pleasant. Yet each man on the 
Shohirika had to do his full duty as before, and, 
be it said to their credit, not a sailor or marine did 
any shirking. Gun drills and various exercises were 
kept up constantly. 

One day the warship ran close to a big trading 
brig bound for Hong-Kong. As was the custom, 
the brig stopped to allow the commander of the Sho- 
hirika to make certain that she was not carrying con- 
trabands of war for Russia or had no intentions of 
running the blockade. 

While this examination was going on, Larry and 
Luke chanced to come on deck, curious to have a 
look at the stranger. 

“ About as big a brig as I ever see in these parts,” 


■26 o 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


was the Yankee tar’s comment. “ She must carry a 
whopping cargo.” 

“ Yes, and a lot of men to man her,” answered 
Larry. “ Think of hoisting and furling such sails 
as she carries ! ” 

The two vessels had come fairly close to each 
other, and our friends continued to survey the brig 
with interest. Then Larry gave a cry. 

“ Oh, Luke, I wish I had a glass ! ” 

“ Why?” 

“ Unless I am mistaken, there is Shamhaven on 
the deck of that ship ! ” 

“ No!” 

Larry pointed with his hand. “ Doesn’t that look 
like him ? ” he continued. 

“ Keelhaul me, if I don’t think you’re right, lad. 
Wait, I’ll get a glass an’ make certain ! ” 

The old tar knew where he could borrow a glass, 
and in a minute more he returned, and both took a 
brief look through the instrument. 

“It is Shamhaven!” ejaculated Larry. “And 
look, there is Peterson coming from the fo’castle ! ” 

“ That’s so. What ye goin’ to do about it? ” 

“ Tell the officer of the deck. They shan’t get off 
with my money if I can help it.” 

Rushing away, Larry soon acquainted the proper 
officer with what he had discovered — telling as much 


A SURPRISE FOR LARRY 26 1 

about the robbery as seemed necessary. The officer 
was interested, and, what was even more to the 
point, liked the young American. 

“ Do you wish to go to yonder ship and confront 
the men ? ” he asked. 

“ Try me and see!” answered Larry, excitedly. 
“ I mean, yes, sir,” he stammered. “ And will you 
let Luke Striker go, too ? ” 

The officer agreed, and soon another small boat 
put off from the warship, and Larry and Luke, with 
the officer, were speedily landed on the deck of the 
brig. 

“ You’re a fine rascal, to rob me! ” cried Larry, 
rushing up to Shamhaven. “ And to rob Captain 
Ponsberry, too ! ” 

Shamhaven had not expected this encounter, and 
for the moment he was dumbstruck. He gazed 
from Larry to Luke as if they were ghosts. 

“ I — I — who are you, anyway?” he stammered. 
“ I don’t know you,” he added, striving to regain 
his composure. 

“ Yes, you do know me, and you know Luke 
Striker, too,” answered the young gunner’s mate. 

“ What does this mean? ” asked the captain of the 
brig, while a number of others looked on with 
interest. 

“ I’ll tell you what it means, sir,” said Larry, and 


262 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


did so. “ He has got to give up my money belt and 
my money, and give up Captain Ponsberry’s money, 
too” 

At this moment Peterson came up and was 
promptly collared by Luke. 

“ Stop ! Don’t you vos touch me ! ” cried Peter- 
son. “ I ain’t noddings done, no.” 

“ You helped Shamhaven to rob me,” came from 
Larry. 

“ No, he done it all alone ! I no touch nod- 
dings!” 

“ Oh, shut up ! ” roared Shamhaven, in disgust. 
“ I never robbed anybody. If you lost your money 
Peterson must have taken it.” 

A quarrel ensued between the evildoers, in the 
midst of which came a cry from the Shohirika. 

“ An enemy is in sight ! ” 

At once all attention was turned to the warship. 
Scarcely a minute elapsed when a signal was dis- 
played : 

“ A battleship, and she is trying to escape up the 
coast ! ” 

“ To the boats!” roared the Japanese officer on 
the deck of the brig. “ To the boats at once ! This 
investigation will have to be postponed. We shall 
expect you to remain as you are ” — the latter words 
to the captain of the big brig. 


A SURPRISE FOR LARRY 


263 


“ As you will,” was the smooth answer. 

A rush was made for the two small boats, Larry 
and Luke being hustled along with the crowd. 
Soon they put off for the warship, which was al- 
ready preparing to follow the Russian battleship 
that had been seen. 

“ I didn’t get my money, after all,” grumbled 
the youth. “ But perhaps I’ll get it later — if 
that ship of the enemy doesn’t sink us,” he 
added. 

As soon as they were on board of the Shohirika 
again, the cruiser started after the battleship. But 
the enemy had a good lead, and it was some time 
before the Japanese warship could command a full 
head of steam, which meant everything to her. 
Then, when steam was to be had in plenty, there 
came a breakdown in the engine room, causing a 
delay of twenty minutes. 

“ We’ll never catch her, — at least, not to-day,” 
said Luke, and he was right. Darkness found the 
battleship still three miles away. Half a dozen shots 
were fired at her, but none took effect. Then night 
ended the pursuit. 

In the morning nothing was to be seen of the 
enemy and those on the Japanese warship were much 
depressed, for they had fancied that an encounter 
might add greatly to their laurels. But shortly 


264 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

before noon the lookout announced the approach of 
another ship. 

“ A Russian cruiser ! ” was the cry. 

This was correct — the vessel was the auxiliary 
cruiser, Pontomnk, formerly a steamer in the 
Siberian trade. She was manned by a fierce and 
swarthy-looking body of sailors and marines, and 
carried a first and second battery of no mean pro- 
portions. 

“ I'll wager we have got some work cut out for 
us now/’ said Larry, and he was right. Finding 
she could not run away from the Shohirika the Rus- 
sian auxiliary cruiser came steaming up and let drive 
at close range, — a broadside that raked the Japanese 
warship from end to end with deadly effect. The 
Shohirika answered immediately, and both the steer- 
ing wheel and the rudder were smashed on the 
enemy’s ship. 

“ Phew ! but this is hot work ! ” panted Larry, as 
all those around the gun worked like Trojans. 

“ An’ it’s going to be hotter! ” ejaculated Luke. 
He sighted the piece with care. “ There, Sally 
Jane, let her go ! ” And he pressed the electric but- 
ton. Bang! went the gun with a roar that was 
deafening. Then the breech was thrown open and 
the smoke rolled out, filling the air with a smell that 
made them cough and sneeze. But nobody stopped 


A SURPRISE FOR LARRY 


265 


work. In a trice the gun was cleaned and cooled 
and another shell pushed into place, and then the 
firing was repeated. 

“ She's coming alongside ! ” was the announce- 
ment from on deck. “ All hands to repel boarders ! " 

“ A hand-to-hand fight ! ” cried Larry, and 
scarcely had the words been uttered when there 
came a bump that hurled half the sailors flat. Up 
they sprang, and as order after order was delivered 
the marines and others ran for their guns and cut- 
lasses, while the officers saw to it that their pistols 
were ready for use. 

A wild, maddening yell came from the deck of the 
Russian ship, as marines and sailors poured over 
the side. An answering Banzai issued from the 
Japanese, and they met the first onslaught with 
vigor. Then came a fierce tramping over the deck, 
as the two conflicting parties moved first to one side 
and then the other. 

“ We are ordered up ! ” cried Larry, a few minutes 
later. “ Here is where we have got to fight for it, 
Luke!" 

. “ Right you are, lad. Do your best, and trust to 
Heaven for the rest!" was the Yankee tar’s reply, 
and then, cutlasses in hand, both mounted to the 
deck, to engage in the fiercest hand-to-hand en- 
counter either of them had ever experienced. 


CHAPTER XXXI 


A CALL TO REPEL BOARDERS 

It was a battle royal from the start and for some 
time neither side had an advantage. Pistol shot was 
met by pistol shot, and a rifle gun placed on the 
upper deck of the Russian warship was balanced 
in execution by a similar gun mounted on the Sho- 
hirika. The slaughter created by both weapons was 
frightful, a dozen or more going down on either 
side each time a gun was discharged. 

When Larry and Luke came out on desk the spec- 
tacle was enough to make the blood of the youth 
run cold, and it was only his previous experience 
in warfare which rendered him capable of doing 
what he knew was his duty. 

“Charge on them!” came the cry in Japanese. 
“ Kill them, or drive them back to their ship ! 
Banzai! ” 

“Banzai! Banzai Nippon!” was the yell. 
“ Hurrah for Japan!” 

The Japanese had not expected a hand-to-hand 
fight and the closing in of the enemy aroused them 


A CALL TO REPEL BOARDERS 26/ 

as they had never been aroused before. For the first 
time Larry saw the sailors and marines awakened 
to their full fighting fury — a fury in which every 
Japanese scorns death and thinks that to die is 
glory for himself, his family, and his emperor. 
They leaped on the Russians with a ferocity that 
was appalling, and that first shock sent the 
Czar’s men back to the deck from which they had 
come. 

But the Russians were likewise aroused, and with 
cheers and yells they came on once more, leaping 
over the bodies of those who had fallen, and meeting 
shot with shot and cutlass stroke with cutlass stroke. 
Officers and men fought side by side, and many went 
down to a common death. 

By instinct Larry and Luke kept close together, 
with the others from Luke’s gun near at hand, and 
Steve Colton and Bob Stanford not far away. Each 
used his cutlass as best he could, warding off the 
blows of the enemy and dealing cuts whenever a 
chance appeared. Larry was glad that he had 
learned to use a cutlass so well, and soon found 
himself the match of almost any Russian who chal- 
lenged him. 

The fighting was now spread over the decks of 
both vessels, which were hooked together tightly and 
pounding broadside at every swell of the ocean. To 


268 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


attempt to blow up either ship would have been 
fatal probably to both — one dragging down the 
other — so no such attempt was made. 

While the fighting was at its height, Larry sud- 
denly found himself face to face with a Russian 
lieutenant of marines. The fellow had a pistol in 
his hand, and as Larry raised his cutlass to strike, he 
dropped the weapon on a level with the youth’s 
head and pulled the trigger. 

Had the bullet sped as intended it is likely Larry 
would have been killed. But just as the trigger fell 
Luke, who was at Larry’s sjde, knocked the pistol 
to one side with his cutlass and the bullet merely 
grazed Larry’s hair. Then Larry leaped forward 
and gave the Russian lieutenant a thrust in the side 
which put the fellow out of the fight instantly. 

For fully fifteen minutes the battle had now raged 
and it was growing hotter each instant. All of the 
available men on each ship were in the fray, and the 
cries and yells which resounded were deafening. 

“ We certainly can’t keep this fight up much 
longer ! ” panted Larry. He had a cut on his left 
hand and one in the shoulder, but kept on with 
dogged determination. 

“Well, we ain’t goin’ to surrender!” grunted 
Luke. “ It’s fight or die, I guess ! ” And he leaped 
forward once more. 


A CALL TO REPEL BOARDERS 269 

Two tall Russians were directly in front of the 
old Yankee gunner, and both fell upon him with 
their cutlasses at the same instant. Luke was 
capable of warding off the weapon of one, but he 
was no match for the pair, and it speedily looked as 
if they would surely kill him. 

“ Back with ye ! ” he yelled, and swung his cutlass 
as rapidly as he could, but they crowded him still 
closer and then one made a thrust at his face and an- 
other at his body. 

It was at this critical moment that Larry, who 
had been engaged with somebody else, saw his old 
war chum’s predicament. With a leap he gained 
Luke’s side, and down came his cutlass with a sweep- 
ing blow on the wrist of one of the enemy. The 
Russian dropped his cutlass to the deck and stag- 
gered back, his hand almost severed from his arm. 
Then Luke slashed the other Russian across the 
cheek, and both of the enemy hurried back behind 
the other fighters. 

“ Good fer you, Larry ! ” panted Luke, when he 
could speak. “ They had me about cornered ! ” 

“ These fellows certainly know how to put up a 
stiff fight.” 

“ You’re wounded yourself. Better go below.” 

“ No, I’m going to see it out. Why don’t you go 
down yourself ? ” 


270 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


“ It ain’t in me, thet’s why,” answered the old 
Yankee gunner. 

Again came a fierce onslaught from the Russians. 
But the Japanese now had another rifle gun in 
place, and sharpshooters were crowding the fighting 
tops. The latter picked off the Russian officers, and 
this created a momentary confusion. Then came a 
sudden order to unlock the two ships and this was 
done. 

“ The Russian ship is going down ! ” was the 
yell, and the news proved true. An explosion be- 
low decks had torn a hole in the Russian warship’s 
bottom and she began to sink rapidly. 

The scene was now indescribable. Both the Rus- 
sians and the Japanese on the doomed vessel en- 
deavored to reach the deck of the Shohirika. In 
this struggle the majority of the Russians re- 
ceived the worst of it, and fully fifty of them, in- 
cluding not a few wounded, remained on board 
when the doomed warship took her final plunge be- 
neath the waters of the sea. Eighteen Japanese 
were likewise drowned, including two under officers. 

“ Surrender, or we will drive you over the side ! ” 
was the command from the Japanese, and utterly dis- 
heartened by the loss of their ship, the Russians 
threw down their arms; and the fierce and bloody 
contest was at an end. The common sailors were 


A CALL TO REPEL BOARDERS 


271 


driven forward and chained together or bound with 
ropes, and the officers were grouped near the stern, 
where a formal surrender was made by the captain 
of the lost ship giving up his sword. This formal- 
ity over, the Japanese set to work at once, cleaning 
up the deck and caring for the wounded as well as 
the hospital accommodations of the Shohirika would 
permit. 

“ I never wish to see another fight like that/’ was 
Larry’s comment, when he had washed up and had 
his wounds dressed. “ It was simply a slaughter ! ” 

“ Right you are, lad,” answered Luke. “ An’ I 
reckon I’m a-goin’ to carry the scars o’ it down to 
my grave.” The old Yankee gunner had received 
several severe wounds, and he was glad enough to 
have Larry swing his hammock for him and lie down 
to rest. 

The battle over, the captain of the Shohirika 
sailed away, to look for the big brig once more and 
to report to the flagship of the fleet. But the brig 
had taken time by the forelock and left for parts un- 
known. 

“ I suppose that is the last of Shamhaven and 
Peterson and my money,” said Larry, when this 
news reached him. “ I wish we had met that brig 
a week ago.” 

“ Oh, it’s possible we may see her again,” said 


272 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

Luke, cheerfully. “ But it gets me that she ran 
away, unless she had something to run for.” 

“ She must have been carrying some contraband 
of war, Luke.” 

“ It ain’t unlikely, lad. Well, she’s gone, an’ it 
ain’t no use to cry over spilt milk. When you write 
to Captain Ponsberry you can tell him ye saw them 
two rascals an’ thet’s all the good it did.” 

“ Do you know what I’m thinking? ” 

“ Well?” 

“ I’m thinking that brig was bound for Port 
Arthur, and she’ll slip into that port some dark and 
misty night.” 

“ It’s a risky piece o’ business. Either our ships 
or the mines are likely to blow her up.” 

“ That is true. But the Russians at the port must 
be getting desperate, and they’ll most likely pay any 
kind of a price for supplies. A captain who ran 
the blockade successfully could make a fortune,” 
returned Larry. 

The young gunner’s mate was right in his sur- 
mise. The big brig was a Russian vessel in dis- 
guise and loaded to her fullest capacity with supplies 
for the blockaded seaport. She had been fitted out 
at Vladivostok, but had taken a wide sea course, so 
as to pretend to have set sail from Nagasaki. Sev- 
eral Russian shipping merchants were interested in 


A CALL TO REPEL BOARDERS 


273 


the venture, which was a private one, and among 
the number was Ivan Snokoff. From Captain 
Barusky, Snokoff had heard that fabulous prices 
could be obtained for needed commodities at Port 
Arthur, and he had invested nearly every ruble he 
possessed in the enterprise. If the vessel succeeded 
in reaching Port Arthur, Captain Barusky was to 
undertake the disposal of the goods shipped in 
Snokoff’s name, and then the two were to. divide the 
profits. 

The big brig had come close to being wrecked off 
the coast of Japan and during a gale had run down 
a fishing smack containing Shamhaven, Peterson, 
and two Japanese. One Japanese had been 
drowned, and the three others from the smack had 
been made to join the crew of the big brig. This 
was agreeable to Shamhaven and Peterson, who did 
not wish to remain near Nagasaki or at any place 
where Captain Ponsberry or Larry would be likely 
to discover them. 


CHAPTER XXXII 


FALL OF PORT ARTHUR CONCLUSION 

“ Open, in the name of the Czar ! ” 

Such was the command which startled both Ben 
and Grace Chase, and for the moment each gazed at 
the other in horror, not knowing what to say or do. 

“ I must get away from here ! ” whispered the 
young captain, but scarcely had he spoken when 
there came a crash, and the front door of the resi- 
dence swung in. Then half a dozen Russians 
poured into the house. 

“ There he is, as I suspected ! ” said one, an officer 
from the prison. “ We’ll see that you do not escape 
again,” he added to Ben, grimly. 

In the midst of the excitement Nathan Chase ar- 
rived. But he could do nothing for the young cap- 
tain, and was glad that he was left to protect his 
daughter. 

“We ought also to take her,” said the prison 
official. “ She did wrong to harbor this prisoner.” 
And then, without further ado, Ben was marched 
back to the place from which he had escaped such 
a short while before. 


274 


FALL OF PORT ARTHUR — CONCLUSION 275 

After that the time passed dismally enough for the 
young American. For having run away he was put 
on the most miserable fare the prison afforded, the 
food being often so vile he could not touch it. 
Whenever he attempted to protest he was met with 
kicks and blows. 

“ They might as well kill me and be done 
with it,” he thought. “ Oh, how I wish the 
Japs would take the city and give me back my 
liberty ! ” 

In those days Port Arthur became a most uncom- 
fortable place for all living there. The Japanese 
army was pressing forward steadily, and army and 
navy did everything possible to destroy the shipping 
in the harbor and make the various forts untenable. 
Shots and shells were hurled into the city at all 
hours of the day and night, until living there became 
worse than a nightmare. Among the soldiers 
scurvy became prevalent, until the hospitals could 
not accommodate the sick and the dying. Nothing 
was done to clean up the streets, and the rubbish lay 
many feet deep over the sidewalks. Practically all 
of the shops were closed, for they had next to noth- 
ing to sell. The main article of food was rice, and 
to cook this many old buildings had to be razed in 
order to procure necessary firewood. As winter 
approached the suffering of the poor became so in- 


276 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

tense that riots broke out and to maintain order not 
a few were shot down. 

Such was the condition in the city. Outside, to 
the northward, the fighting went on week after 
week. So many soldiers were killed upon both sides 
that to bury the dead became impossible, and thou- 
sands were left where they had fallen, to become the 
prey of vultures, or to putrefy and fill the locality 
with a stench that was as nauseating as it was 
deadly! Such are the horrors of modern warfare. 
The demands for universal peace cannot come any 
too quickly. 

In the advance on Port Arthur, Gilbert did his 
full share of the fighting. The Japanese were now 
struggling for the possession of what was known as 
203-Meter Hill, a rocky elevation which was not 
fortified but which was in the direct line of Russian 
fire. The top of 203-Meter Hill commanded a fine 
view of Port Arthur and its harbor, and it was this 
view the Japanese needed, in order to make their 
shell fire most effective. 

The battle for 203-Meter Hill is one which will be 
long remembered. The Japanese fought with a 
desperation impossible to describe, and when the hill 
was captured, General Stoessel sent out nearly all 
his available men to retake it. But this could not 
be accomplished, and late in December the Japanese 


FALL OF PORT ARTHUR — CONCLUSION 277 

stormed the inner defenses of the Russian chain of 
forts, killing nearly all of the brave defenders who 
dared to oppose them. Then tons upon tons of shot 
and shell were sent into Port Arthur and over the 
harbor once again, until the locality became little 
short of an inferno. Nearly all the shipping was 
destroyed, and so many buildings were set on fire 
that to stem the conflagration became all but im- 
possible. The end came on New Year’s Day, 1905 
— ten months after the famous siege began. To 
hold out longer seemed impossible, and to avoid 
further carnage General Stoessel called a council of 
war and sent a message to General Nogi offering to 
capitulate. 

“ Port Arthur has surrendered ! ” The news flew 
from one Japanese regiment to another, and soon the 
warships were sending the message from vessel to 
vessel. For once the Japanese showed their real 
feelings, and “ Banzai! Banzai! ” rent the air again 
and again. “ Long life to the Mikado ! Port Ar- 
thur is ours once more ! ” 

“ It is a well-earned victory ! ” cried Larry, when 
he heard the news. 

“ Yes, lad, and I trust it brings this bloody war 
to a close,” came from Luke. 

“ They say General Stoessel blew up the war- 
ships remaining in the harbor.” 


278 AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 

“ He couldn’t have had many left,” returned the 
old Yankee gunner. “ The army and the navy have 
about battered everything to bits.” And in this sur- 
mise Luke was correct. 

The fall of Port Arthur caused widespread con- 
sternation in Russia, while the people of Japan were 
correspondingly elated. Because of the gallant de- 
fense of the place, the Japanese made generous terms 
with those who had surrendered, much to the satis- 
faction of the world at large. Many had predicted 
a universal butchery, but nothing of the sort oc- 
curred, and the Russian sick and wounded were 
given every possible attention. 

After the fall of the port Larry was permitted to 
go ashore some miles above the town, and he man- 
aged to located Gilbert, and then learned for the first 
time that Ben was a prisoner in the captured place. 

“ A prisoner! ” he ejaculated. “ Oh, Gilbert, we 
must find him and have him released ! ” 

“ That is just what I have been thinking, but I 
don’t know exactly how to go at it, Larry.” 

“ There ought to be some way of doing these 
things. We might interview one of the generals 
and Who is that coming this way?” 

“ Why, it’s Ben himself ! ” cried Gilbert. 

“ Ben ! ” screamed Larry, and ran forward to 
meet his brother. Soon they were in each other’s 


FALL OF PORT ARTHUR CONCLUSION 279 

arms, and then Gilbert received an equally warm 
greeting. 

“ We were released this morning,” said Ben. 
“ I can tell you I was mighty glad of it. I haven’t 
had a meal fit to eat in weeks.” 

“ Well, you shall have the best our larder affords,” 
said Gilbert. “ My, but you’re a sight for sore 
eyes ! ” he continued. 

“ Don’t say a word ! ” came from Larry. Two 
tears were glistening in his honest eyes. “ It’s al- 
most too good to be true ! ” 

Here let me add a few words more and then bring 
to a close this tale of the naval and military adven- 
tures “At the Fall of Port Arthur.” 

After the surrender of the city the army in that 
vicinity, and also the fleet near the harbor, had but 
little to do outside of caring for the sick and 
wounded and disposing of the thousands of prison- 
ers. The Russian officers were allowed to go on 
parole and the prisoners were transported to Japan. 
Many of the mines in the harbor were taken up, so 
that ships might come and go in safety. 

Larry was anxious to learn what had become of 
Shamhaven and Peterson, and through the Japanese 
guards stationed in Port Arthur located the rascally 
sailors at a cheap boarding-house. Both were made 


28 o 


AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR 


prisoners, and Larry got back a portion of the money 
stolen from Captain Ponsberry and himself. It was 
learned that the big brig had been destroyed by the 
Japanese shell fire, so that Ivan Snokoff lost every- 
thing he placed in the venture. 

“ Well, it served him right,” said Gilbert, when 
he heard of this. “ He is responsible for the time 
Ben spent in prison.” 

What had become of Captain Barusky was at 
first a mystery. But at last it was learned that he 
had sneaked aboard of a transport filled with 
wounded soldiers and bound for Chefoo. He pre- 
tended to be wounded himself, and was given medi- 
cal attention until the trick was discovered, when he 
was treated as a coward. As soon as Chefoo was 
reached he disappeared, and that was the last seen 
or heard of him for some time. 

“ We are well rid of that fellow,” said Ben. “ I 
hope the Russians read him out of their army. He 
isn’t fit to hold a commission.” 

“ What do you imagine will be the next move in 
this war ? ” questioned Gilbert. 

“ It is hard to tell. I think they will try to take 
Mukden, for one thing.” 

“ Russia is going to send out more warships,” put 
in Larry. “ If they come this way, it may mean 
more fighting for me.” 


FALL OF PORT ARTHUR CONCLUSION 28 1 

“ Well, I reckon you’ll do your duty, if you are 
put to it,” answered Gilbert, with a smile. 

“ And so will you do yours,” came from Larry. 

“ We’ll all try to do our duty,” broke in Ben. 
“We didn’t join the army and the navy to hang 
back. Just the same, I’d enjoy a bit of a rest just 
now.” 

The others agreed that the rest would be beneficial 
all around. It was given to them ; and here, for the 
present at least, we will leave them, wishing them the 
best of good luck in the future. 


THE END 



SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES 


By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 


VOLUME TWO 


UNDER THE MIKADO'S FLAG 

Or Young Soldiers of Fortune 

320 pages Cloth Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25 



NDER the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young 


Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the 
great war between Russia and Japan, one of the leading characters being 
Gilbert Pennington, the hero of “On to Pekin,” and the other, Ben 
Russell, who with his brothers, Larry and Walter, is so well known to the 
thousands of readers of the famous “Old Glory Series.” It closes with 
the great Battle of Liao- Yang, and is as valuable for the information 
conveyed as it is interesting as a story. The boys of the whole country 
have been expecting Mr. Stratemeyer to give them a book on the Japanese 
war, and he has responded by one of his very best. 

Mr. Stratemeyer is undoubtedly improving very greatly on the average 
book for boys. — Star , St. Louis , Mo. 

He knows how to attract and hold boy readers. — Evening Standard , 
New Bedford , Mass. 

All the boys know Mr. Stratemeyer’s stories, which are none the less 
thrilling for giving a considerable knowledge of geography and history. — 
Christian Work , New York. 

The demands of boy readers are peculiar, and the author who can sat- 
isfy them, not once or twice, but uniformly, must possess rare ability in 
an extremely difficult field. Such an author is Edward Stratemeyer. — 
Sunday News 1 Newark , N. J. 


SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE SERIES 

By EDWARD STRATEflEYER 


VOLUME ONE 

ON TO PEKIN 

Or Old Glory in China. 

Cloth 330 pages Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute $1.25 

T HE hero, Gilbert Pennington, has become a lieutenant in the regular 
army, and goes from the Philippines with the Ninth Regiment to 
take part in the rescue of the beleaguered British Embassy at Pekin by 
the international forces. Mr. Stratemeyer has risen to the occasion by 
giving, in addition to one of his very best stories, a store of information 
concerning China and the Chinese, conveyed in a natural and entertaining 
manner. This book is directly in line with the “Old Glory Series,” and 
nearly all the well-known characters are here. The demand for this 
volume is enormous. 


BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON 

Or Two Boys' Adventures In South Africa 

BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER 
Illustrated by A. Burnham Shute 354 pages Price $1.25 

R ELATES the experiences of two boys, cousins to each other, one 
American and the other English, whose fathers are engaged in the 
Transvaal, one in farming and the other in mining operations. While the 
two boys are off on a hunting trip after big game the war between the 
Boers and Britons suddenly breaks out, and while endeavoring to rejoin 
their parents the boys find themselves placed between hostile armies, and 
their thrilling experiences are brought out in Mr. Stratemeyer’s best style. 

Exhibits the same qualities which have given popularity to his former 
writings. — The Times , Pittsburg , Pa. 

A stirring story of the South African War. — The Journal , India- 
napolisy Ind. 

The kind of story to please boys and give them a fair idea of a great 
historical event. — St. Louis Post-Despatch. 


American Boys’ Life of 
Theodore Roosevelt 

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 325 pages Illustrated 
from photographs $1,25 


E VER since the enormous 
success of Mr. Strate- 
meyer’s “ American Boys’ Life 
of William McKinley” there 
has been an urgent demand 
that he follow the volume with 
one on the life of our present 
President, and this has now 
been done with a care and 
a faithfulness certain to win 
immediate appreciation every- 
where. 

The book covers the whole 
life of our honored executive 
step by step, as schoolboy, col- 
lege student, traveler, author, 
State assemblyman, Civil Ser- 
vice and Police Commissioner, Governor of New York, 
as a leader of the Rough Riders in Cuba, as Vice-Presi- 
dent, and finally as President. Many chapters have also 
been devoted to Mr. Roosevelt’s numerous adventures as 
a hunter and as a ranchman (true stories which are bound 
to be dear to the heart of all boys who love the strenuous 
life), and full particulars are given of the daring battles 
for Cuban liberty, in which our worthy President, as 
Lieutenant- Colonel of the Rough Riders, took such a 
conspicuous part. 

The Appendix contains a Chronology of Theodore 
Roosevelt, and also brief extracts from some of his most 
famous speeches and addresses. 

For sale by all booksellers, or sent Postpaid, on 
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By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 

Author of 44 The Bound to Succeed Series ,” “ The Ship and Shore 
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Six volumes Goth Illustrated Price per volume $1*25 

UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA 

Or The War Fortunes of a Castaway 

A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA 
Or Fighting for the Single Stas 3 

FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS 

Or Under Schley on the Brooklyn 
UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Or A Young Officer in the Tropics 

THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE 
Or Under Lawton through Luzon 

UNDER MACARTHUR IN LUZON 
Or Last Battles in the Philippines 

“A boy once addicted to Stratemeyer stays by him.” — The Living 
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“ Mr. Stratemeyer is in a class by himself when it comes to writing 
about American heroes, their brilliant doings on land and sea.” — Times , 
Boston. 

u Mr. Stratemeyer has written a series of books which, while histori- 
cally correct and embodying the most important features of the Spanish- 
American War and the rebellion of the Filipinos, art sufficiently inter- 
woven with fiction to render them most entertaining to young readers.** 

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American Industries Series ,” “ American Boys * 
Biographical Series 


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Or A Soldier Boy's Battles in the Wilderness 

MARCHING ON NIAGARA 
Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier 

AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL 
Or A Soldier Boy's Final Victory 

ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC 
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« Mr. Stratemeyer has put his best work into the * Colonial 
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itself.” — Boston Courier. 

“ The tales of war are incidental to the dramatic adventures of 
two boys, so well told that the historical facts are all the better 
remembered.” — Boston Globe. 

“Edward Stratemeyer has in many volumes shown himself 
master of the art of producing historic studies in the pleasing 
story form.” — Minneapolis Journal. 

“ The author, Edward Stratemeyer, has used his usual care in 
matters of historical detail and accuracy, and gives a splendid 
picture of the times in general .” — Milwaukee Sentinel. 

“ Told by one who knows how to write so as to interest boys, 
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For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by 

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GOOD BOOKS FOR BOYS 

By EDWARD STRATEflEYER 


LARRY THE WANDERER 

Or The Rise of a Nobody 

Cloth Illustrated Price $1.00 

T HIS is a plain tale of everyday life, written especially for boys and 
girls who do not care particularly for stories with a historical or 
geographical background. Larry is a youth who has been knocked 
around from pillar to post for a number of years. He knows nothing 
about himself, where he came from, or where he belongs. He is a bit 
rough in his ways, but beneath this rude exterior is a heart of gold. The 
unravelling of the curious mystery which surrounds the lad’s identity 
makes good reading. 

JOE, THE SURVEYOR 

Or The Value of a Lost Claim 

Illustrated by A. B. Shute 1 2 m o Cloth Price $1.00 

T HIS story relates the trials and triumphs of a sturdy country youth, 
who is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to go forth into 
the world and earn, not alone his own living, but also support for his twin 
sister and his invalid father. The book is filled with healthful adventure, 
and teaches the moral that honesty is the best policy. Girls will enjoy 
this volume no less than will the boys. 

7 WO YOUNG LUMBERMEN 

Or From Maine to Oregon for Fortune 

320 pages Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 

A SPLENDID story, covering the whole of the great lumber industry 
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endeavor to better their condition. A contract with a railroad company 
for lumber forms an important part of the story, and how all hands 
worked to fulfil this contract will interest older heads quite as much as 
young people. An ideal volume for every wide-awake American who 
wishes to know what our great lumber industry is to-day. 

Boys are acquiring the Stratemeyer habit. — Post , Chicago. 

Mr. Stratemeyer’s books are not only entertaining but instructive. — 
Daily Press , Portland, Me. 


The Stratemeyer Popular Series 


io volumes Illustrated and handsomely bound in gold and colors 
Attractive new cover designs Price $ .75 per volume 

S INCE the passing of Henty, Edward 
Stratemeyer is the most widely read 
of all living writers for the young, and 
each year extends the vast and enthusi- 
astic throng. In obedience to the popular 
demand we have established this Popular 
Series comprising ten representative 
books by this great writer, on which 
special prices can be made. The stories 
are bright and breezy, moral in tone, and 
while full of adventure, are not sensational. 

These books, at a popular price, will be a 
rare treat for the boys and girls. 

1. The Last Cruise of the Spitfire Or Luke Foster’s Strange 
Voyage 

2, Reuben Stone’s Discovery Or The Young Miller of Tor- 
rent Bend 

3. True to Himself Or Roger Strong’s Struggle for Place 

4. Richard Dare’s Venture Or Striking Out for Himself 

5. Oliver Bright’s Search Or The Mystery of a Mine 

6. To Alaska for Gold Or The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon 

7. The Young Auctioneers Or The Polishing of a Rolling 
Stone 

8. Bound to be an Electrician Or Franklin Bell’s Success 

9. Shorthand Tom the Reporter Or The Exploits of a Bright 
Boy 

10. Fighting for His Own Or The Fortunes of a Young Artist 



LEE AND SHEPARD Publishers BOSTON 


PAN-AMERICAN SERIES 

By EDWARD STRATEMEYER 


VOLUME ONE 

LOST ON THE ORINOCO 

Or American Boys in Venezuela 

12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 

T HIS volume tells of five American youths, who, with 
their tutor, sail from New York to La Guayra, 
touching at Curafao on the way. They visit Caracas, the 
capital, Macuto, the fashionable seaside resort, go west- 
ward to the Gulf of Maracaibo and lake of the same name, 

and at last find themselves in the region of the mighty 

Orinoco, and of course they have some exciting expe- 
riences, one of which gives name to the book. Just the 
book boys and young men should read, in view of the 
general interest in matters Pan-American. 

Its pictures of South American life and scenery are novel and instruc- 
tive. — The Literary World , Boston . 

The scenes described are of the sort to charm the hearts of adventur- 
ous boys. — The Outlook , N. Y. 

VOLUME TWO 

THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS 

Or American Boys in the West Indies 

12mo Cloth Illustrated Price $1.25 

T HIS is a complete tale in itself, but has the same 
characters which have appeared so successfully in 
“ Lost on the Orinoco.” The boys, with their tutor, sail 
from Venezuela to the West Indies, stopping at Jamaica, 
Cuba, Hayti, and Porto Rico. They have numerous ad- 
ventures on the way, and then set out for St. Pierre, Mar- 
tinique, where they encounter the effects of the eruption 
of Mt. Pelee, and two of the boys are left on a raft to shift 
for themselves. Life in the West Indies is well portrayed, 
and the tale will appeal to many an older person as well 
as to the boys. 
























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